I'll just be pouring the drinks this Christmas!'

Sir Cliff Richard tells Woman's Weekly about his festive plans, the meaningful gift he's dreaming of finding under the tree, and fills us in on his gorgeous new album

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Nothing says Christmas quite like Sir Cliff Richard's dulcet tones. As soon as Mistletoe and Wine starts blasting out from the airwaves, we know we've got permission to put up our tree, crack out the tinsel and start gearing up for the cheeriest time of the year. And Woman's Weekly has been treated to an early Christmas present in the shape of an exclusive interview with the man himself.

As well as releasing his new album and a brand-new book, A Head Full of Music, he's just finished a UK tour, meaning it's been a very busy time for the 83-year-old.

There's no doubt we associate Cliff with festive magic, but he laughs when we ask him what it's like to be so synonymous with Christmas. 'It's weird, because contrary to popular belief, I do not own Christmas, nor have all my hits been Christmas tracks. But if people want to think of me at Christmas? Well, I'll take that, thank you! Christmas is a family time, so if I help to bring warmth to others then I'm happy?

Just how many times does he think he's sung Mistletoe and Wine during his decades-long career? 'Goodness!' he says, shaking his head and laughing, 'Is anyone still counting?' 

Cliff's own musical tastes e video for span many different genres. 'I have an eclectic taste in music, I love all kinds, but I would perhaps stop at rap. In my new book, I chose 30 tracks that had influenced my life. If you look at those, you'll see the variety of music.