‘I had to give up things I loved’: Cliff Richard on the key to his longevity

Sir Cliff Richard has said his longevity in the music industry is down to his healthy diet.

The 82-year-old, who has had a 65-year career and recently released a new album, Christmas With Cliff, said the key to his success has been “giving up things I loved".

When discussing how he keeps his decades-long career going, he said staying fit and in shape, saying: "I only eat what I’m supposed to eat.

"I have to give up certain things that I loved before, but there are so many vegetables and different things I can eat that I do."

Sir Cliff was speaking on the The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky on Monday when he also revealed that his record label is not putting him on the shelf anytime soon.

He revealed: "The record company requested a Christmas album and I thought, ‘well, I haven’t done one for years.’

"I didn’t realise it was nearly 20 years ago."

His announcement comes after fans accused him of miming during a festive performance on ITV’s This Morning earlier this month.

When he sang his latest track, Heart Of Christmas, live viewers were left unimpressed.

One tweeted: "Cliff is blatantly miming right now! #ThisMorning"

Another added: "Lip syncing on This Morning! C’mon Sir Cliff thought you were better than that!!! #ThisMorning.’

A third commented: "Microphone by his waist but the Cliff Richards vocals still continue? XMAS MAGIC?"

Before the performance, the star told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield of his upcoming gigs at London’s Eventim Apollo.

"I am only doing about eight shows I think, the days of me going on tour for six months are way behind me," he said.

"It is so terrifying to be on tour for lengths of time because you never know what day you are going to wake up and that [voice] is not going to work."

Christmas With Cliff is a full 13 track CD and available now.