Cliff: Kids would have interfered with my career
Cliff Richard is not upset he never had children.
The 72-year-old singer doesn't mind that he never became a father as he feels it would have interfered with his career.
He told The Lady magazine: "Being completely honest, it's never bothered me. My three sisters have children, and it's been wonderful to watch them grow up, get married and start families of their own.
"I've made sure I've always played a part in their lives. So while I think I would have been a good father, I've given myself to my family and I wouldn't have it any other way. My 'freedom' allows me to continue my career.
"Had I been married and with children I wouldn't be able to do what I do now - I wouldn't want to do what I do now."
The 'Summer Holiday' hitmaker - who has sold over 20 million records in the UK and is the only artist to have had a number one single in the five decades from the 50s to the 90s - also said he was always too afraid to try drugs, as he was afraid they would ruin his career.
He said: "Growing up in the fifties, the world was a very different place. Drugs weren't as commonplace as they are now but they were still around.
"I just didn't know what they were and now when I think back I realise that the smell backstage wasn't herbal cigarettes.
"After 10 years in that environment, I started to think, 'Is this how I'm going to end up?' and I certainly didn't want anything to cut my life short. I'd have been devastated if anything had stopped me living my dream."
He also praised boy band One Direction, and said he'd be up for it, if they wanted to hire him for a duet.
He added: "I've heard One Direction now and think that each one of them has a terrific voice, so if they ever decide to do a duet I'm available but not 'cheap'."
