I was worried that cancer meant the end of my singing career... but now I think I'm ready to retire

As the nation’s favourite soprano Lesley Garrett warms up for next month’s Proms in the Park one year after a rare tumour almost stole her voice, the 70-year-old reveals why now may be finally the right time to hang up her ball gowns for good

- By Sue Crawford

HER REMARKABLE 45-year career has spanned opera, musical theatre, concerts, albums and TV appearances, including a stint as a Loose Women panellist and as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. She is also a favourite of the Royal Family, having performed many times for King Charles and the late Queen, including at the monarch’s 90th birthday celebrations.

But fans of Lesley Garrett would be well advised to grab tickets to her much-anticipated upcoming summer concert, for she has given her biggest hint yet that this year could be her last as a performer.

Lesley’s husband retired recently and having just turned 70, she is seriously thinking about hanging up her ball gowns and joining him on a sun lounger in the south of France.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Express, Lesley says: “I do think about retiring, because I don’t want to go on when I’m not as good as I was.

“I want to quit while I’m ahead. I don’t want to carry on past my sell by date. My voice is changing, as voices do.

“It’s still beautiful in the middle, but I can’t get as high as I used to.”

She lets out a small sigh. “Every season I think could be my last.

“This one I seriously think could be my last year, because I am 70 and it seems like a very round number - I’ve been doing this for exactly 45 years.”

There will be genuine disappointment in the Royal household if Lesley does make this year her last.

“I have sung for King Charles and met him several times. I sang for both the King and Queen recently,” she smiles.

“I really enjoy it, I think they do a great job. Their duty to the country is something that is very important to them.

“The King is very knowledgeable about opera and classical music in general, and the Duchess of Gloucester is very interested too. I've sung for her several times.”

Lesley was also fortunate to have met Queen Elizabeth II on many occasions before her death three years ago.