Leading evangelical Christian celebrity Sir Cliff Richard, who is now aged 67, thinks the church should be supportive of committed gay relationships and says he is sick of intrusive speculation about his own sexuality.

In his new autobiography, titled My Life, My Way, Sir Cliff Richard has also spoken for the first time about his friendship with a former Roman Catholic priest who he now shares his home with, and who helps him manage his estate

The singer explains in his book that he met US former missionary McElynn seven years ago while on a trip to New York.

He writes: “He hadn’t had any thought at the beginning of giving up the priesthood, but when it became clear he was thinking of the possibility, I suggested he might help me with some charitable projects.

“That was seven years ago and our arrangement has worked out really well. John now spends most of his time looking after my properties, which means I don’t have to.

“John and I have over time struck up a close friendship. He has also become a companion, which is great because I don’t like living alone, even now.

“People often make the mistake of thinking that only marriage equals happiness. I may suddenly meet someone and feel differently, but right now I am not sure marriage would enhance my happiness.”

Regarding his own private life, Sir Cliff Richard writes: “What business is it of anyone else’s what any of us are as individuals? I don’t think my fans would care either way.”

Excerpts from My Life, My Way are being published in the Daily Express newspaper in the UK.

The singer, who is popular worldwide, has written three previous books – The Way I See It Now (1973) and Single-Minded (1988), both published by Hodder & Stoughton, and Cliff Richard – The Biography, published by Lion in 1993.

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You can buy My Life, My Way here. Other Cliff Richard material.