Shirl: 'I'm not retiring'.
June 25 2006
Leah Oatway, Wales on Sunday
DAME Shirley Bassey has hit back at her sister, who claimed she is winding down for retirement, to declare: "I refuse to fade away."
The 69-year-old Tiger Bay diva last night made it clear she is nowhere near ready to hang up her glittering frocks.
Scorning her elder sister Eileen Hopkins' speculation earlier this month that she is close to retiring, Dame Shirley said: "I am absolutely not going to fade away because I still have a lot to give and my work is my life.
"My sister knows nothing of my career. She doesn't even have my telephone number. I may choose to do fewer concerts, but I am certainly not retiring."
Emphasising that the show will go on, the great Dame is posing for the iconic Cool Cymru Photographic Collection, which goes on display at Wales Millennium Centre in November in aid of the Children's Hospital for Wales Noah's Ark Appeal.
Seen here in a behind-the-scenes exclusive shot with photographer Terry Morris, Shirl is one of many celebs taking part alongside Charlotte Church, Ryan Giggs and Rhys Ifans for the first ever national hall of fame.
In support of the Noah's Ark Appeal - raising money to build and equip the first Children's Hospital for Wales.
