Cliff Richard - Richard Proud Of Toned Torso

SIR CLIFF RICHARD was stunned when he saw the pictures for his new calendar, because his dedication to fitness has paid off with a hunky new physique.

The singer, who turns 70 this year (10), unveiled his latest set of photos last week (beg23Aug10), and one shot raised eyebrows among fans - it shows him bare-chested and sporting an impressively toned torso.

And the Congratulations hitmaker is adamant there is a simple secret to his success - healthy eating and regular workouts.

He tells British TV show This Morning, "I can't believe it. Sometimes you do things without thinking. (The photographer) said, 'Do you mind taking your shirt off for a picture, maybe coming out of the swimming pool?' I said, 'No, I don't mind.'

"I must admit, when I saw the picture (I realised) it did pay off going to the gym. I spent about three months (going) every other day. I'm never going to be like Arnold Schwarzenegger but what happens is you tone up a little - and it does photograph well! You've just got to know that you can still do it. You have to commit yourself to being that weight."

Sir Cliff also insists his dedication to "a lifestyle of eating" - including avoiding dairy and wheat products - added to his ripped physique.

He says, "By sticking to the rules, you find you don't put weight on and you don't lose any... I'm so happy that I don't have to suck my stomach in any more! The only thing I can't change is, in my head I'm still 18 but I know I am not."