In his new autobiography, My Life, My Way, Sir Cliff Richard has spoken for the first time about his friendship with a former Roman Catholic priest he met on a trip to New York seven years ago and with whom he shares his home with.

Richard revealed that he had hired the former priest, John McElynn, to look after his charitable projects and numerous houses. He writes of his 53-year-old companion: "He hadn't had any thought at the beginning of giving up the priesthood, but when it became clear he was thinking of the possibility, I suggested he might help me with some charitable projects.

"John and I have over time struck up a close friendship. He has also become a great companion, which is great because I don't like living alone - even now."

The English singer, who dominated the British popular music scene in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits such as "Living Doll," "Summer Holiday" and "The Young Ones," had continually refused to confirm or deny rumours about his sexual orientation.

"As for my sexuality, I am sick to death of the media's speculation about it. What business is it of anyone else's what any of us are as individuals? I don't think my fans would care either way." Said the 67-year-old, who has sold more than 250 million records, in the book.

The singer, who is a well-known pin-up for the Christian faith, also called on the Church of England to update its views on same-sex marriages, arguing that all judgments on sexuality should be left to God.

"I think the Church must come round and see people as they are now. Gone are the days when we assumed loving relationships would be solely between men and women. It seems to me that commitment is the issue, and if anyone comes to me and says: 'This is my partner; we are committed to each other', then I don't care what their sexuality is. I'm not going to judge; I'll leave that to God."

The book also revealed that Richard had considered proposing to his first love, dancer Jackie Irving, and also to tennis star Sue Barker nearly two decades later.

An 8-CD box set, And They Said It Wouldn't Last (My 50 Years In Music), will be released next week to celebrate Richard's fiftieth year in music.