Sir Cliff Richard Will Break Two-Year Silence In Exclusive ITV Interview With Gloria Hunniford

Cliff Richard is set to break his lengthy silence in an exclusive interview with Gloria Hunniford, which will be broadcast on ITV later this week.

Showbiz reporter Rylan Clark-Neal revealed that the hour-long installment would be shown in full during Wednesday’s (June 22) Loose Women at 12.30pm, with “snippets” being revealed throughout Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and This Morning beforehand.

Copyright [ITV]

The veteran singer, 75, has already recorded the interview with his long-time friend Gloria, 76, despite the Crown Prosecution Service only dropping abuse claims on Thursday (June 16).

The voiceover for the upcoming segment explained: “He says he was hung out like live bait after being accused of historic sex abuse and spent two years fighting to clear his name.

“Now, days after the police investigation was dropped, Sir Cliff Richard is breaking his silence to tell his story in a world exclusive TV interview, he is hitting out and not holding back.”

Copyright [ITV]

This news comes after Gloria, who is a regular panelist on the ITV show, spoke of her relief for Cliff, who was never arrested or charged.

“He definitely changed a lot. Mentally, it was horrific for him to be accused like that. Physically, although he was never overweight, he does look a little underweight now,” the daytime television star claimed.

She also explained that while the OBE holder is relieved with the outcome, he is still desperate to hear the announcement from police officials that he is innocent.

“He hasn’t received the word innocent yet – and he should do as he hasn’t done anything and there isn’t any evidence. He would like that word innocent,” she stated.

Copyright [Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock]

South Yorkshire Police raided Sir Cliff’s Berkshire home in August 2014 after they received a tip from Operation Yewtree, detailing an allegation that dated back more than a quarter of a century.

Almost two years on, it was announced last week that there was “insufficient evidence to prosecute” the beloved entertainer following an investigation that cost an estimated £800,000.

Cliff released a statement, saying: “I have always maintained my innocence, co-operated fully with the investigation, and cannot understand why it has taken so long to get to this point.

“Nevertheless, I am obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close.”

The exclusive interview with Cliff Richard will air on Wednesday’s Loose Women at 12.30pm on ITV1.