Veteran pop star Cliff Richard has revealed that rumours about his sexual orientation did hurt him when he was young.
The 73-year-old India-born British crooner said that the gay rumours also bothered his family, reported Daily Express.
Asked if the gossip had hurt him, Richard said, "No. It did when I was young. It hurt my family a lot, of course. But who cares? It doesn't really matter to me any more. I have got gay friends. Most people have gay friends."
Since his first song 'Move It' hit the charts in 1958, The Shadows' former frontman has been dogged by rumours that he was homosexual, despite him being photographed with a host of glamorous women.
Richard, whose real name is Harry Webb, asked, "Would you not come to my concerts because I was gay? I hope not. If I was gay would it make any difference?"
While he did not go as far as to reveal whether he was gay or straight, he admitted that he never wanted the responsibility of a wife and family.
"I just didn't get married. I never felt that it was the right time. I can do the things I want to do.
