Sir Cliff put early career before love

Sir Cliff Richard reportedly told his first serious girlfriend that he had 'showbiz in his blood' and had to put his career before love.

A 1961 letter from the pop star to his then partner, Delia Wicks, said that his work had to come before "any lasting relationship", according to The Mirror.

The handwritten note states: "Being a pop singer I have to give up one priceless thing - the right to any lasting relationship with any special girl."

Sir Cliff said that ending the relationship was arguably one of his toughest choices, urging the dancer to 'find someone who is free to love you as you deserve to be loved'.

He went on: "I couldn't give up my career, besides the fact that my mother and sisters, since my father's death, rely on me completely. I have showbiz in my blood now and I would be lost without it."