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Sir Cliff says 'chubby' line on Coronation Street inspired major weight loss

Sir Cliff Richard talks weight loss and legal battle. (PA Images)
Sir Cliff Richard talks weight loss and legal battle. (PA Images)

Sir Cliff Richard has revealed the unlikely inspiration behind his two-stone weight loss: soap opera Coronation Street.

The 78-year-old reveals on an interview on LBC radio that hearing a character on the soap calling him ‘chubby’ sparked a health overhaul.

“Well I used to weigh two stone heavier than I am now but I changed it quite quickly.

“In fact it started when I heard – on Coronation Street. One of the characters was sitting in the snug and she said “Ooh I love that chubby Cliff Richard” and I went ‘chubby Cliff Richard’? I looked in the mirror and I thought I’ve got a bit chubby,” Richard said.

He adds that he embarked on a diet based on his blood type – but still squeezes in treats now and then.

“I started a regime – eating food that’s right for my blood. Again I don’t know whether that’s a feasible thing but it made sense to me. And what I found was I lost a little bit of weight and then stayed static. And I eat what I should eat and treat myself now and then,” he said.

Cliff Richard in 2008. (PA Images)
Cliff Richard in 2008. (PA Images)

It has been a trying few years for Sir Cliff, and this year saw him win a legal battle against the BBC over coverage of his home.

In the same interview, Richard talks about his recent ‘horrible’ ordeal, and that he’s now more excited than ever to be doing music again.

“I think most people know that what I have been through has been pretty traumatic emotionally and a terrible state not just me, but friends and office – it’s been horrible.

“And maybe that’s why I am more excited because I finally feel that I came out of that mud and mire and I’m here again and I’m doing what I’m best at really and what I enjoy most. So if I do sound more excited it’s probably because I am,” he said.

Richard with his close friend, the late Cilla Black. (PA Images)
Richard with his close friend, the late Cilla Black. (PA Images)

In addition to a just released duet with the late Cilla Black on her posthumous album, Richard is also embarking on a nationwide tour in summer 2019. And he said he’s keen to get back in the studio to record new tracks and even a joint album with the musical theatre singer Elaine Paige.

“Elaine Paige and I have been talking for about a year on maybe doing an album together. I’ve always been an admirer of Elaine Paige’s voice and I thought we could do an album together. Now it’s not actually set it in stone but we’re wanting to do it.”

To hear the full interview, Sir Cliff Richard is In Conversation with Steve Allen on LBC tomorrow (Saturday) at 6am, repeated on Sunday at 9am. LBC is available across the UK on DAB digital radio and TV, at LBC.co.uk and on the Global Player.


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