Sir Cliff Richard has thanked his "amazing" fans for their support.

Sir Cliff Richard

Sir Cliff Richard

The 'Summer Holiday' hitmaker addressed thousands of his loyal supporters at his Adega do Cantor vinyard in Albufeira, Portugal on Tuesday (23.08.16), as he reassured them he is feeling back to his "best" a few weeks after the death of his sister Donna Goulden - who passed away aged 73 after a long battle with illness and months after historic sex abuse allegations against him were dropped due to a lack of evidence.

He told fans: "I'm back to my best. I'm OK, everything will be OK.

"I want to thank all my fans for being so amazing, they have been incredible."

Cliff was joined at the meet-and-greet by his sister Joan, 66, and she also praised the loyalty of his fans throughout the 75-year-old singer's "horrible" ordeal.

She said: "It's been really horrible. But today shows how many fans he's got. They stick by him no matter what.

"I always say that to him, 'They stick by you.' They've always believed in him which is so great. He is so lovely and such a wonderful person."

It was recently revealed Cliff - who was interviewed in 2014 and 2015 by police, who were investigating allegations that he sexually abused a teenage boy in the 1980s - is planning a musical comeback now the claims have been dropped.

The 'Living Doll' singer recorded a new album, believed to be the second part of his 2013 collection 'The Fabulous Rock 'N' Roll Songbook' in Nashville, Tennessee, over 18 months ago but put the release on hold after being accused of historic sexual abuse, and is now hoping to release the record in the coming months.

His friend, former Radio 1 DJ Mike Read previously revealed: "Cliff is going to release his new album this year now that he's cleared his name.

"He's had it on hold for years now throughout this ordeal."

It was subsequently reported he has signed a record deal with Sony Music and has hopes of recording another Christmas number one single, and also plans to go out on tour at some point in 2017.

The 'Young Ones' hitmaker recently confirmed he plans to sue the BBC and South Yorkshire Police after a raid on his house was broadcast live.

He said: "My life was effectively turned upside down and my reputation, worldwide, was unnecessarily damaged. I would not want the same to happen to others whether in the public eye or not.

"Whilst the police of course need to properly investigate allegations made to them, it is clear to me that questions need to be answered by both the police and the BBC about their initial handling of my matter, which has rightly been condemned from so many quarters, including the Home Affairs Select Committee, the broader press, and, even the police themselves."

It is believed he is seeking around £1 million in damages.

The BBC haven't commented on the lawsuit but previously said they were "very sorry" for causing the singer distress.


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