{"id":717259,"date":"2026-07-29T12:46:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T12:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/717259\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T12:46:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T12:46:37","slug":"elaine-paige-at-78-i-want-to-retire-but-nobody-will-let-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/717259\/","title":{"rendered":"Elaine Paige: At 78, I want to retire, but nobody will let me"},"content":{"rendered":"

Elaine Paige, 78, is an English musical theatre<\/a> singer and actor, best known for playing Eva Per\u00f3n in Andrew Lloyd Webber\u2019s Evita. Her single \u201cI Know Him So Well\u201d with Barbara Dickson from the musical Chess remains the highest-selling record by a female duo. She has been nominated for five Laurence Olivier Awards, hosts Elaine Paige on Sunday on BBC Radio<\/a> 2 and has just released her 23rd studio album, Miscellaneous Paige.<\/p>\n

Here, she looks back at the moments that made her, from leaving home<\/a> to live in a commune at 18 to keeping fit<\/a> in her seventies \u2013 and her ambition to fly a plane.<\/p>\n

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CULTure<\/p>\n

Netflix neck-and-neck with BBC when British viewers switch on TV<\/p>\n

\"(FILES)Caption: (FILES) In this file photo illustration a computer screen and mobile phone display the Netflix logo on March 31, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. \u2013 Bridgerton has become Netflix\u2019s most popular new series, with more than 82 million households tuning in to watch the period drama, the streaming service has announced. (Photo by Olivier DOULIERY \/ AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY\/AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: OLIVIER DOULIERY
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP<\/p>\n

TV viewers are now as likely to watch Netflix as the BBC, a survey for Ofcom suggests. <\/p>\n

Netflix\u00a0is the first choice for 26 per cent of viewers compared to 25 per cent who favour the BBC.<\/p>\n

\nWhat the study tells us\n<\/p>\n

\"FILECaption: FILE PHOTO: The YouTube logo is seen at the YouTube Space LA in Playa Del Rey, Los Angeles, California, United States October 21, 2015. REUTERS\/Lucy Nicholson\/File Photo
Photographer: Lucy Nicholson
Provider: REUTERS
Source: X90050<\/p>\n

YouTube viewing surges<\/p>\n

The amount of time people watch YouTube on TV sets has doubled since 2022 to an average 19 minutes a day.<\/p>\n

Netflix standouts <\/p>\n

Netflix hits Adolescence and K-Pop Demon Hunters were two of the top 10 most streamed shows in 2025.<\/p>\n

\"Adolescence.Caption: Adolescence. Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller in Adolescence. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix ?? 2024 <\/p>\n

TV still<\/p>\n

Netflix
Provider: Courtesy of Netflix
Source: Adolescence_(UK)_n_S1_E3_00_14_3
Copyright: Cr. Courtesy of Netflix ? 2024<\/p>\n

\"LONDON,(Photo: Simon Ackerman\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Beeb\u2019s biggest draws<\/p>\n

The BBC showed the other eight, including The Night Manager and Run Away.<\/p>\n

24 million watch England on BBC<\/p>\n

Celebrity Traitors and its video podcast Traitors Uncloaked was the BBC\u2019s biggest title last year, with the finale attracting an average audience of 14.9 million viewers across BBC One and BBC iPlayer.<\/p>\n

England\u2019s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina attracted a peak audience of 24 million viewers across BBC platforms.<\/p>\n

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LIVE<\/p>\n

1 min read<\/p>\n

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Big Read<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

Battle of the broadcasters<\/p>\n

Last year, 70 per cent of people in the UK watched content from traditional broadcasters \u2013 including live TV, recorded playback and on-demand services \u2013 for at least 15 minutes in an average week, down from 73 per cent in 2024 and 78 per cent in 2022.<\/p>\n

\"IllustrationNetflix and Disney subscribers could be asked to contribute to the BBC licence fee (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"TwoThe BBC will start showing EastEnders again (Photo: BBC)<\/p>\n

Ariana Grande sues hackers who \u2018leaked music online\u2019<\/p>\n

Ariana Grande is suing hackers who she alleges stole her unreleased music as well as private photos and video.<\/p>\n

\"USCaption: US singer actress Ariana Grande attends the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on January 4, 2026. (Photo by Chris DELMAS \/ AFP via Getty Images)
Photographer: CHRIS DELMAS
Provider: AFP via Getty Images
Source: AFP
Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n

\nHacked off: what we know\n<\/p>\n

The singer alleges two unidentified hackers stole material from her collaborators\u2019 computers, court papers filed in LA show. <\/p>\n

\"LOSCaption: LOS ANGELES, CA \u2013 JANUARY 09: Singer Ariana Grande performs at the IPOP! Concert Series an Evening with Make-A-Wish Foundation and Starlight Children\u2019s Foundation at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on January 9, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Angela Weiss
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images North America
Copyright: 2010 Angela Weiss<\/p>\n

\"BEVERLYCaption: BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA \u2013 JANUARY 11: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Ariana Grande attends the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper\/Getty Images)
Photographer: Monica Schipper
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images North America
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n

It led to 45 songs being leaked in 2023 alone, Grande claims. Since her music debut in 2011, hundreds of similar leaks have taken place, the court documents say.<\/p>\n

Lawsuit allegations<\/p>\n

The lawsuit aims to reveal the hackers\u2019 identities.<\/p>\n

Grande alleges one hacker impersonated a photographer to gain access to material. <\/p>\n

Studio footage and music videos were also allegedly stolen.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s claimed the material was sold on the dark web.<\/p>\n

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MUSIC<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

What has she said previously?<\/p>\n

In 2024, the pop star and actress. after her song Fantsize was leaked, said: \u201cBefore I left for Wicked \u2013 [there were] a few studio sessions that I did which are all over TikTok, thank you so much, I\u2019ll see you in jail. <\/p>\n

\u201cThose were all written for a TV show.\u201d<\/p>\n

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FILM<\/p>\n

2 min read<\/p>\n

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MUSIC<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

Why organic free-range eggs are \u2018worst for the environment\u2019<\/p>\n

Organic eggs are twice as bad for the climate as eggs produced by caged chickens, a new study indicates.<\/p>\n

\"AsianCaption: Asian woman holding a shopping basket, Grocery shopping in supermarket. Woman choosing fresh organic egg. Fruits and vegetables shopping. Healthy eating lifestyle. Pesticide Safe food and vegetable selection for life.
Photographer: nomadnes
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF
Copyright: POJCHEEWIN YAPRASERT<\/p>\n

\nOrganic or caged chicken egg model?\n<\/p>\n

Tonnes of CO2 predicted<\/p>\n

2.36m<\/p>\n

Greenhouse emissions expected if all the UK\u2019s egg production is switched to organic.<\/p>\n

Free range eggs are laid by hens that are fed organic feed,<\/p>\n

1.184m<\/p>\n

The equivalent in tonnes of CO2 if all egg production was from caged chickens.<\/p>\n

More organic chickens are required to produce the same number of free-range eggs.<\/p>\n

Facts and figures<\/p>\n

Organic egg production needs significantly more land.<\/p>\n

Deaths in free range chickens were higher, the study published in Royal Society Open Science found.<\/p>\n

The study used data from 2009-2010 from UK poultry farms, The Guardian reports.<\/p>\n

Egg consumption across the world is growing.<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

Go deeper on this subject<\/p>\n

To some people, an egg is an egg, but the variety in appearance, size and the colours of shells and yolks varies a great deal.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Sophie Morris<\/p>\n

Freelance journalist<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

6 min read<\/p>\n

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LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

news<\/p>\n

Why sitting under a tree during a heatwave may not be as safe as you think<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A person sits in the shade in Castle Park, Bristol. The heatwave across the UK looks set to continue as 2026 became the first year to record temperatures of 35C on six separate days, and emergency services warn of \u201cextreme\u201d wildfire risks over the weekend. Picture date: Saturday July 11, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall\/PA Wire
Photographer: Ben Birchall
Provider: Ben Birchall\/PA Wire
Copyright: PA Wire<\/p>\n

Visitors to parks during the current heatwave are reportedly being warned against sitting under trees, as branches could break as a result of the extreme temperatures.<\/p>\n

Here is everything you need to know about the risk.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t take shelter under old trees\u2019<\/p>\n

Normanby Hall Country Park in North Lincolnshire has warned visitors of the dangers of breakage during the heatwave, after several of their oldest trees lost large branches.<\/p>\n

Branch falls have been reported across the UK, with MP for Putney Fleur Anderson saying a mature tree fell on her house in June\u2019s heatwave.<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A hot day to start the week in Cambridge where tempreatures reached 31 degrees and it looks set to remain hot for the reast of the week . July 6, 2026. Photo released 06\/07\/2026
Photographer: James Linsell Clark \/ SWNS
Provider: James Linsell Clark \/ SWNS
Source: James Linsell Clark \/ SWNS<\/p>\n

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NEWS<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

Why is this happening?<\/p>\n

Due to a lack of water, the trees are basically going into survival mode. [They are] trying to protect the main trunk and [their] system. Any branches that are untoward or have cracks in them, they\u2019re just shedding them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Liam Dent, parks and gardens officer\u00a0at Normanby hall <\/p>\n

\"AccessThe nearby district of Rossendale offers a whole host of walks and stunning views
Photographer: Fiftythreenorth
Provider: Getty Images\/iStockphoto<\/p>\n

What about elsewhere?<\/p>\n

Workers at London\u2019s Hyde Park have been told to avoid placing deckchairs under trees, The Times reports.<\/p>\n

Royal Parks said it was taking \u201cactive measures\u201d to reduce the risk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are fully aware of \u2018summer branch drop\u2019, when trees can shed branches due to stress from prolonged dry, hot weather,\u201d a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n

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Exclusive<\/p>\n

3 min read<\/p>\n

world<\/p>\n

Meet the UK university students preparing for war<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Molly Blackall<\/p>\n

Global Affairs Correspondent<\/p>\n

While many UK university students are more used to dancing late into the night, some are getting up before dawn to train part-time with the British Army. <\/p>\n

The goal for the military is to have a\u00a0ready group of potential UK officers in case war breaks out.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Eager recruits<\/p>\n

The University Officer Training Corps scheme, run at over 50 institutes, sees undergraduates undertake 38 annual days of Army training alongside their degree.<\/p>\n

In return, they receive a nominal \u00a31,600 a year, new skills and a potential career path \u2013 around 40 per cent of 1,400 recruits join the regular or reserve force afterwards.<\/p>\n

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NEWS<\/p>\n

4 min read<\/p>\n

Battle-ready<\/p>\n

Officer cadets spend around one afternoon a week with the military, as well as five weekends and a two-week exercise each year. They learn everything from firing rifles to battlefield first aid and planning operations to surviving in the wild.<\/p>\n

The exercise this year, in partnership with Dutch university officers, focused on clearing urban areas, navigating trenches and battlefield first aid.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\nStaying on\n<\/p>\n

Esme Beckly, 21, an English literature student, said the course \u201cmade me realise that it is something that I want to do in the\u00a0future\u201d. She will join the Army as an officer when she graduates.<\/p>\n

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Monty Walker, 20, who grew up in a military family in Reading before studying accounting at York University, is weighing up his options. He said: \u201cI finish this exercise on Sunday, and then on Monday I\u2019m in London starting an internship. It\u2019s a switch into a different life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watch more from The i Paper<\/p>\n

@theipaper<\/a> <\/p>\n

Would you spend your summer holidays on a military training exercise? Six years before the First World War, the British military launched a scheme to train university students as army officers. Dozens of universities are still involved with the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) , which has 15 units across 27 training locations. The i Paper\u2019s global affairs correspondent, Molly Blackall, joined one cohort for a recent training exercise in The Netherlands. #britisharmy<\/a> #cadets<\/a> #putten<\/a><\/p>\n

\u266c original sound \u2013 The i Paper \u2013 The i Paper<\/a> <\/p>\n

Two beaver kits born in Highlands after repopulation effort<\/p>\n

At least two baby beavers have been born near Loch Ness in Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years. <\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY JULY 29
Handout photo dated 24\/10\/25 provided by Trees for Life of a beaver being released at Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands. At least two baby beavers have been born in an area of the Highlands, marking the first time in four centuries where such births have been recorded in the region. Issue date: Tuesday July 28, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Paul Campbell\/Trees for Life\/PA Wire
Photographer: Paul Campbell
Provider: Paul Campbell\/Trees for Life\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

\nKits born to families released to wild\n<\/p>\n

Two baby beavers, estimated to have been born in May or June, were recently spotted in Glen Affric. This follows the release of seven beavers in October last year and a further four in February.<\/p>\n

\"CloseCaption: Close up of two Eurasian beavers \/ European beavers (Castor fiber) fighting in pond. (Photo by: Arterra\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Photographer: Arterra
Provider: Universal Images Group via Getty
Source: Universal Images Group Editorial
Copyright: ? Arterra \/ Sven-Erik Arndt<\/p>\n

\"EMBARGOEDCaption: EMBARGOED TO 0001 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12<\/p>\n

File photo dated 05\/03\/25 of a beaver swimming following a licensed release at Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve. Communities are being invited to discuss the potential return of beavers to the Loch Ness area. The discussion is being run by Trees for Life in partnership with Beaver Trust during September and October. Issue date: Friday September 12, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews\/PA Wire
Photographer: Andrew Matthews
Provider: Andrew Matthews\/PA Wire
Source: PA<\/p>\n

They are reportedly in good health and their birth signifies a success for the reintroduction project in the area. Beavers were first reintroduced in 2009 after being hunted to extinction in the 16th century.<\/p>\n

A \u2018wonderful milestone\u2019<\/p>\n

These young animals represent the first generation of\u00a0beavers\u00a0that will help shape Glen Affric\u2019s future \u2013 creating wetlands that support countless other species, improve water quality and build resilience to climate change.<\/p>\n

Tobias Leask,\u00a0beaver\u00a0management officer, Trees for Life<\/p>\n

\"'Sightings'\u2018Sightings\u2019 of the so-called monster began in Loch Ness in 1933 (Photo: Sean Gladwell\/Getty)<\/p>\n

Are you having as much sex as everyone else?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s natural for libido to wax and wane due to life events, dating status or hormonal changes. <\/p>\n

And it can be hard to say what a \u201cnormal\u201d sexual frequency is. But research and case studies give us a rough idea.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\nThe statistics\n<\/p>\n

When it happens<\/p>\n

61%<\/p>\n

\u00a0A\u00a02023 survey<\/a>\u00a0concluded that almost two thirds (61 per cent) of us wait until night-time to have sex.<\/p>\n

Only 14 per cent opt to get busy in the early evening, and 10 per cent in the morning.<\/p>\n

Three <\/p>\n

\u00a0Research from 2019<\/a>\u00a0suggests that the average number of times British live-in or married couples have sex per month is three.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Are Gen Z having less sex than older people?<\/p>\n

I see my partner on the weekends and have sex with others in the week.<\/p>\n

Leanne, a 27-year-old influencer from Bristol has sex three or four times a week, but only sees her long-distance partner on the weekends. They have agreed they can both sleep with other people during the week.<\/p>\n

\nMillennials\n<\/p>\n

35-year-old Rebecca usually sleeps with her partner once or twice per week due to not having much child-free time.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Clare, 32, says her job is busy and she has to schedule sex with her partner on weekends, or some afternoons twice a month. \u201cOccasionally this slips and I do worry that it makes us not as connected,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\nGen X\n<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Daisy, 56<\/p>\n

I haven\u2019t had the issue of my sex life drying up with\u00a0menopause. I\u2019m more aroused now.<\/p>\n

Anna, 52<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been married\u00a0for 15 years. I love my husband, but our sex life is non-existent, and has been for about five years.<\/p>\n

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Mimi, 46<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not really motivated to seek out partners; I vaguely like the idea of it but not enough to take any action.<\/p>\n

Boomers<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been married for 20 years and sex has become something of a rarity. We maybe have sex once a week on a Sunday morning as we\u2019re both relaxed and I can take Viagra late on Saturday night \u2013 without it, I can\u2019t perform.<\/p>\n

JACK, 63, OFFICE WORKER, KENT<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

\"Couple,Couple, talk and arguing with fight at house for disagreement, conflict and divorce discussion. Woman, explain and bored man for conversation, toxic relationship and drama and marriage fail in lounge \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

The seven rules that could save your marriage<\/p>\n

Keep your sense of self<\/p>\n

I did what I thought I was supposed to do and forgot my needs and wants. I think it\u2019s really important that you\u2019re an individual and not just a person who is married.<\/p>\n

KATIE STRATFORD*, A 55-YEAR-OLD MUM OF TWO, WHO DIVORCED ATER 19 YEARS<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A married couple sitting in silence, looking in opposite directions. The image captures the concept of female loneliness within a marriage, emotional disconnection, and relationship problems. Symbolizes quiet desperation and isolation at home
Photographer: Galina Zhigalova
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

\nSeven rules to save your marriage\n<\/p>\n

\"\"(Photo: Kathrin Ziegler\/Getty).<\/p>\n

The small things<\/p>\n

Small things, like being brought a cup of tea or saying thank you, make a big difference.<\/p>\n

Therapists<\/p>\n

Karen Deulofeu, who ended her six-year marriage, believes all couples should seek support, even before they think they need it.<\/p>\n

\"FemaleFemale psychiatrist discussing with mid adult woman during therapy session \u2013 stock photo. (Photo: Getty)<\/p>\n

\"Young(Photo: MTStock Studio\/Getty).<\/p>\n

Listen<\/p>\n

Listen properly by repeating what you have heard and ask if you\u2019ve got that right.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t lose communication<\/p>\n

People don\u2019t talk about the deep issues; nobody else is going to do it for you. You don\u2019t want to ask questions because it might rock the boat\u2026you have to keep talking, and talk about what it is that you want within the relationship to keep going forward.<\/p>\n

KATIE STRATFORD<\/p>\n

\"\"\u2018One question is how to achieve such a longevity hack when most of us have relationships that unsettle us,\u2019 says Dr Amir Levine (Photo: Oliver Rossi\/Getty)<\/p>\n

\nSeven rules to save your marriage\n<\/p>\n

Remember that things change<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you see on social media and what friends say is quite often the\u00a0nice version. Everything is a phase,\u201d says Deulofeu.<\/p>\n

\"Unhappy\u2018I\u2019m genuinely considering returning to full-time work\u2019 (Photo: PeopleImages\/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"ACaption: A senior couple spend time in an indoor sunny market. The woman looks through a clothes on a rail as her husband waits patiently behind her.
Photographer: Catherine Falls Commercial
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n

Look at yourself first<\/p>\n

\u201cFocus on what\u2019s in your control and what you can do differently, rather than the other person or a situation that you can\u2019t control. Invest in understanding yourself,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n

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When I was young, I just lived life and had a good time \u2013 sex, drugs and rock\u2019n\u2019roll. But now it\u2019s all about exercise<\/a>: keeping moving to stay supple and young. As you get older, you think more about your health than you ever did. I play tennis as much as I can.<\/p>\n

The 1960s and 70s were the most magical time to be alive. It was all about freedom, kindness, honesty, independence and equality. We were the first teenagers, the first baby boomers<\/a>. Everything was a first. Sadly, now we\u2019ve gone completely the other way from all the wonderful things the 1960s and 70s brought us. Everybody seems antagonistic, aggressive, angry and upset.<\/p>\n

Back then, you didn\u2019t have to be sexually involved to live with men. It was about freedom and experiment. When I was 18, I told my mum and dad I was leaving home to live in a commune in Hampstead. My father said: \u201cWho are you living with?\u201d I think he expected me to say lots of other girls but, of course, it was mixed, which shocked my parents. To us, it was a new way of life. <\/p>\n

Theatre was my university. I was a nice girl from suburban Barnet, Hertfordshire \u2013 innately shy, and so full of self-doubt and emotion. Theatre It gave me the spirit of adventure, and that youthful sense of freedom and opportunity. <\/p>\n

I only took drugs because my peers did. We had all that wonderful music \u2013 the Beatles, Buddy Holly, the Hollies, the Humblebums. We\u2019d sit on homemade beanbags, getting stoned, listening to Pink Floyd\u2019s The Dark Side of the Moon, and Leonard Cohen. My mother used to say: \u201cHow can you listen to that man? He can\u2019t sing.\u201d I\u2019d say: \u201cNo, mum, but he\u2019s a poet.\u201d<\/p>\n

In my twenties, I was always too short for every role. I\u2019d get down to the final two or three of any audition, but then they\u2019d say: \u201cWe like you a lot, but you\u2019re too short.\u201d I\u2019m probably only about four foot eleven now, if that. I never made it to five foot \u2013 that was my goal.<\/p>\n

\"\"\u2018I\u2019ve never had a great deal of confidence. I\u2019m quite a private, reserved person. Whatever you see is a front to hide the true me\u2019<\/p>\n

Fame was not something I ever desired. When it came, it was a terrible shock. I wanted Evita very badly \u2013 I knew it was a good part and thought I could do it justice \u2013 but I was nearly 30, still pretty naive, and living in my first flat in West Hampstead.<\/p>\n

I cried when I got Evita \u2013 but not tears of happiness, tears of fear. My mother was staying when my agent turned up unannounced, hiding a bottle of Dom P\u00e9rignon under her coat, to tell me I\u2019d won the role. It was the most exciting, wonderful evening of my life. The next day, the press descended on my doorstep. We had to pull the blinds down and take the phone off the hook. It was like a scene from a movie. I realised my life had changed in an instant, and it frightened me. I thought: \u201cHow am I going to handle this?\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve never had a great deal of confidence. I\u2019m quite a private, reserved person. Whatever you see is a front to hide the true me. I think that\u2019s why I wanted to be involved in theatre<\/a> because you can hide behind characters. I\u2019m not a party person. I\u2019m much happier at home, reading a book, watching telly or painting. I like my own company. I\u2019m not afraid of being alone.<\/p>\n

I keep wanting to retire, but nobody will let me. I was cajoled into making this new record. My record company took me out for lunch and said: \u201cWould you like to make another album, Elaine?\u201d I said: \u201cI\u2019ve made 22 already! Why would I want to make another one at this age?\u201d You can\u2019t sing about unrequited love at my age. It\u2019s ridiculous. But they suggested an album to celebrate my \u2013 I can\u2019t believe I\u2019m saying this out loud \u2013 60 years in the business, so I started listening to songs I remembered from my youth, and hit on the idea of songs about how we feel differently at different stages of life.<\/p>\n

Why is it unseemly to want to live a real life? Diana Rigg once said to me: \u201cThere is more to life than being in the theatre.\u201d She was right. I missed so much. Now I enjoy seeing friends, going for lunches, playing tennis three times a week. I was always in a theatre, so now I\u2019m seeing the world and educating myself through new experiences. I can\u2019t see myself performing live anymore. <\/p>\n

I\u2019ve always wanted to fly an airplane. I have a few things on my bucket list<\/a>. I might do one of those pilot simulators at Gatwick, but I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll have the nerve. I\u2019ve been on a hot-air balloon ride a couple of times. The last one, in Cappadocia, about three or four years ago, was nearly a disaster. We landed in a tree and it was very frightening.<\/p>\n

Elaine\u2019s new album, Miscellaneous Paige, is out now<\/p>\n

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