He’s Britain’s most successful artist with more than 250 million record sales worldwide and more than 120 Top 40 hits.

He’s a star of the screen with films including The Young Ones and Summer Holiday. He’s gained millions of loyal fans, and has a place in the UK Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to British music.

Sir Cliff Richard OBE returns to the UK in June for a spectacular series of shows, Still Reelin’ and A-Rockin’. He talks to Leisure before his gig at Hatfield House.

If you hadn’t gone into a career in singing what could you see yourself doing?

Music has always been a huge part of my life. I can’t really see myself doing anything else. Had I not been as successful as I was, I think I would have still found a way to be involved in the industry, whether that was writing or producing. It just doesn’t seem possible to smother a passion and a desire to do what you love for a career.

How big a role does faith play in your life?

It’s very much shaped who I am today. My faith has kept me sensible and shielded me from a lot of problems that someone with my fame could have encountered. Not only that, it’s having that something extra in my life that drives me to keep physically and mentally fit.

Do you have any vices?

Well, none that I’d tell you about! Seriously, if enjoying a glass of champagne or red wine most nights is a vice, then I must hold my hand up. Of course, Vida Nova, which is produced at my vineyard in Portugal, is my favourite, and they do say that red wine is good for your heart. I rest my case!

Can you see yourself ever retiring/stop performing?

I think I’d only ever consider it if my voice was to give up on me. Performing puts a lot of pressure on the vocal chords, so if I ever thought I couldn’t give my fans the show they deserved, I’d stop singing. But there have been many greats who sang until the end, and I would consider myself very lucky if I get to do what they did.

What is your fondest memory from your career so far?

Without a doubt, receiving a knighthood for services to music and charity. At first when I got the letter I couldn’t believe what it was saying. I think I ended up laughing for a good while out of sheer shock! But what an honour. It gives me that added incentive to keep going for my fans.

Out of all your hits do you have a favourite?

I don’t necessarily have a favourite as I love performing all those classic hits. If I was pushed, I’d say I’ll always have a soft spot for Summer Holiday. It’s song that’s survived the decades and really encapsulates a forgotten era. It was wonderful to film, we had so much fun. But then, of course, there was Devil Woman and We Don’t Talk Anymore not to mention Living Doll and Miss You Nights. When you have been given so many wonderful songs to sing it really is hard to pick just one!

You have some of the most loyal fans in the world who have been with you for more than 50 years. Do you have a message for them?

I never dreamed that I’d be around this long, and I have a very loyal fan base to thank for that. They have been, and still are amazingly supportive and always so generous towards the various charitable projects I’m involved with. Many of the core fans seem to have merged into a giant international family and Reelin’ and a Rockin’ will be a great reunion!

l Sir Cliff Richard – Still Reelin’ and A-Rockin’ is at Hatfield House, Hatfield on Sunday, June 9 at 8.30pm, doors open at 5.30pm. Details: 08