Sir Cliff Richard was very vocal about the claim (Image: Getty Images)
Things became awkward on The One Show when Sir Cliff Richard shut down actress Charlie Brooks after she asked him a question.
The 83-year-old musician and the soap star were both previously guests on the chat show. Things turned savage when Charlie, who played Janine Butcher on One soap , asked Sir Cliff about a family mystery – that he may have once stepped in for her grandad’s band. In fact, it was assumed that that was how he was discovered.
Wanting to uncover the truth behind the rumour, Charlie told Sir Cliff during their appearance on the programme in 2022: “The story went Cliff that you back in the day were a roadie for my granddad.”
“Now that could have been changed, it might be a myth. We don’t know.” Charlie continued: “One evening, the lead singer went off and you stepped in, and there was a scout in that night and that’s when you were discovered.”
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Cliff was quick to shut down the false rumour (Image: BBC)
However, Sir Cliff didn’t take her up on the story, bluntly debunking the rumour with a jokingly disapproving look, declaring it: “absolute rubbish”.
Laughing with co-host Alex Jones, Gethin Jones said: “Such a brilliant build up, as well, wasn’t it?” Despite being gutted the family tale wasn’t true, Charlie still managed to laugh about Cliff’s response, with Sir Cliff seeing the funny side too.
However, he later revealed that Charlie’s family rumour was actually “close” to what actually happened, explaining that he used to play in pubs with two of his friends – a drummer and a guitarist.
One of the places they played was in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. Charlie added: “Yes, that’s where they’re from – Terry park! He was an identical twin.” Sir Cliff revealed that the story was actually somewhat true.
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The soap star is best-known for playing Janine Butcher on EastEnders (Image: Getty)
He spoke of the time a talent scout walked in to the pub where his band were playing, with the scout staying to watch their set, later telling Sir Cliff: “I can make you a star.”
At first he didn’t believe the scout, saying that he and the rest of his bands were on the floor laughing in response, but admitted that later along the line, the scout helped to boost his career by securing the band gigs in venues such as the iconic 2i’s Coffee Bar in London’s Soho.