Richard slams reports over relationship with priest

British singer Cliff Richard has slammed the media for focusing on his close relationship with a Catholic priest.

The 64-year-old and resolutely private star is disgusted by the aggressive attention given to the personal lives of celebrities - and refuses to discuss his friendship with John McElynn, a member of the Congregation Of The Mission church who lives with him.

Richard says: "I do think there is an obsession with the private lives of the famous has become much worse in recent years because it's less subtle.

"There was a politeness in the early days when my career was beginning that's not there any more.

"I don't take any notice of that kind of thing. When that kind of comment is vicious about friends or my family, it's not worth noticing.

"I always seem to have been considered a target by certain kinds of people and commentators, for whatever reason, but my response is always the same - I don't talk about my family or my friends.

"What does bother me is the idea that the people in my private life get dragged into something that is the consequence of my fame. They've done nothing to deserve it, and they don't deserve that kind of treatment."