Sir Cliff Richard has admitted that he watches ITV’s X Factor and said that come of its contestants are “phenomenal singers.”

The Press Association quotes Cliff as saying that he thinks some of the stars are very talented, but he doubts they will still be around in 50 years time.

Sir Cliff said of the show: “It’s shown me that there are people out there who are really phenomenal singers.”

But he added: “It doesn’t mean they are going to be there in 50 years’ time. These young kids that come up now don’t get the support we did, but is anybody interested in being here in 50 years’ time? Maybe not, but they are good singers.”