Let's get physical! Olivia gives her old pal Cliff a special 75th birthday hug after joining him on stage at the Albert Hall 

  • Singer Cliff Richard celebrated turning 75 at London's Royal Albert Hall 
  • Joined on stage by old friend, Australian singer Olivia Newton John 
  • Tributes also paid by Sir Elton John, Brian May, and Jimmy Tarbuck 

By Simon Cable Showbusiness Correspondent For The Daily Mail

Published: 18:02 EST, 15 October 2015 | Updated: 18:16 EST, 15 October 2015

He once insisted he wanted to play tennis on his 100th birthday.

And judging by this energetic display, Sir Cliff Richard has a good chance of achieving it.

The singer celebrated turning 75 on Wednesday evening with a typically age-defying performance on stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

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Hopelessly devoted to you: Olivia Newton John and Sir Cliff embrace on stage, as the Summer Holiday singer celebrates turning 75

Hopelessly devoted to you: Olivia Newton John and Sir Cliff embrace on stage, as the Summer Holiday singer celebrates turning 75

Surprise: Sir Cliff blows out his candles in front of a packed audience at London's Royal Albert Hall

Surprise: Sir Cliff blows out his candles in front of a packed audience at London's Royal Albert Hall

Sir Cliff and Miss Newton John, 67, have been friends for many years. He even helped launch her career

Sir Cliff and Miss Newton John, 67, have been friends for many years. He even helped launch her career

The star was joined on stage by a host of celebrities, including Olivia Newton John and Paul O’Grady, who gushed to the audience about Sir Cliff’s legendary career, which has now spanned six decades.

At one point Miss Newton John led a chorus of Happy Birthday, prompting the audience into an enthusiastic sing-a-long.

Tributes from artists such as Sir Elton John, Queen guitarist Brian May and comedian Jimmy Tarbuck were broadcast through a television screen at the back of the stage, with many praising the star’s longevity and huge chart success.

Since beginning his career in 1958, Sir Cliff has sold more than 250 million records worldwide. He is the third-top-selling singles artist in UK Chart history, behind the Beatles and Elvis Presley.

The star kicked off his latest tour at the Killarney INEC in Ireland before dates in Birmingham and Newcastle.

Wednesday evening’s concert was one of five dates he is performing at the Royal Albert Hall.

Dressed in a sparkling silver jacket the singer belted out a string of his most classic hits including Move It, Summer Holiday and Living Doll much to the delight of the audience, many of whom were in their 70s.

His concert in Birmingham last month was the first time he had performed on stage since allegations of historic child sex claims against the singer emerged just over a year ago.

Sir Cliff and Miss Newton John sharing the London stage. Sir Cliff has told he was dazzled by the Australian when they first met

Sir Cliff and Miss Newton John sharing the London stage. Sir Cliff has told he was dazzled by the Australian when they first met

Comedian Paul O'Grady also joined Sir Cliff and Olivia Newton John on stage as part of the surprise

Comedian Paul O'Grady also joined Sir Cliff and Olivia Newton John on stage as part of the surprise

he singer belted out a string of his most classic hits including Move It, Summer Holiday and Living Doll
His set delight the audience, many of whom were in their 70s.

Peter Pan of pop: The singer belted out a string of his most classic hits including Move It, Summer Holiday and Living Doll much to the delight of the audience, many of whom were in their 70s.

He has not been arrested and no charges have been brought against him. Last month it emerged that one of the three separate investigations into the singer had been dropped by police due to a lack of evidence.

He has previously talked about the secret of his eternal youth, attributing it to tennis three times a week, two glasses of red wine a day and a daily dose of lecithin - a supplement derived from soya beans, meat and eggs - which experts claim helps prevents the body’s ability to form fat.

He has also spent several years following the Blood Type diet, which means he no longer eats wheat or dairy products.

‘Age is not an issue if you are lucky enough to have good health,’ he says. ‘I’ve never had any major problems and spent no time in hospital.

‘I heard that 60 is the new 40 so I am making 70 the new 50. If you can prolong your life and hold off death for a while, why not? I would like to play tennis for my 100th birthday and I will.

‘My waist measures 30in, the same as 30 years ago. And my weight is 10st 7lb.’

 

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