Cliff Richard pulls out of charity cathedral show after sex abuse allegations

The singer was set to perform at the charity gig at Canterbury Cathedral on 26 of September

Cliff Richard, here seen on the set of This Morning last November (Rex Features)

Sir Cliff Richard has cancelled his plans to appear at a live event at Canterbury Cathedral as officers continue to investigate an historic allegation of sexual abuse made against him.

The singer was set to perform at the charity gig on 26 September.

However, his spokesperson has since confirmed that Sir Cliff has pulled out of it, saying that he “doesn't want the event to be overshadowed by the false allegation and has therefore withdrawn”.

“He is sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience caused,” he added in a statement.

The singer’s Berkshire home was raided while he was on holiday in Portugal last week, following an alleged sex crime against a boy at an evangelist event at a Sheffield stadium in 1985.

Richard has vehemently denied the claim as “completely false”, but vowed to “co-operate fully should the police wish to speak to me”.

The news comes a day after friend Cilla Black defended Sir Cliff.

Speaking to The Mirror, the veteran performer said: “I, like everyone else, was shocked to hear of these allegations and I am absolutely positive that they are without foundation.”

Her comments followed that of Michael Parkinson’s, who spoke out against the BBC coverage of the raid, which he branded a “witch hunt”.

Police officers have since been warned that they could face disciplinary action over their dealings with the BBC.