[on homosexual marriage] I think the Church must come round and see people as they are now. Gone are the days when we assumed loving relationships would be solely between men and women. It seems to me that commitment is the issue, and if anyone comes to me and says: 'This is my partner; we are committed to each other', then I don't care what their sexuality is. I'm not going to judge; I'll leave that to God.

[in 2014] For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online. The allegations are completely false. Up until now I have chosen not to dignify the false allegations with a response, as it would just give them more oxygen. However, the police attended my apartment in Berkshire today without notice, except, it would appear, to the press. I am not presently in the UK but it goes without saying that I will co-operate fully should the police wish to speak to me. Beyond stating that today's allegation is completely false it would not be appropriate to say anything further until the police investigation has concluded.

[on his refusal to boycott apartheid South Africa, which earned him a place on the United Nations' blacklist] I go wherever Christians invite me to speak about Jesus. It's a platform I've been given by God.

Airplay is vital for single hits. The only way I can have a fair competition is if your records are on the radio - gone are the days where the likes of myself, Elton John, Tina Turner, Phil Collins have our records played. There is an ageism in the radio industry. If you ask me to record a new song, I'm not sure it would get the support it needs.

[on "Millennium Prayer"] That was one of the hardest number ones I have had. I was confused by all the negative reaction and Mistletoe and Wine may have kicked that off. I had found myself in the charts way past my [supposed] sell-by date and maybe that annoyed people.

For me a big hit is to be in the top five. I don't subscribe to the view that if you're not number one, it's a failure. Maybe that's why people disappear so quickly these days, because they have that attitude.

My only gripe is when critics writing the history of rock'n'roll leave me out altogether.

Being out of tune, I find it unforgivable.

I am the Ultimate Pop Star and no one can take that away from me. A few years ago, Channel 4 did a programme called The Ultimate Pop Star (2004) - and it turns out I have sold more singles than not just Elvis, but everybody. That's my big claim to fame.

The media seemed to want to have an answer to Elvis. What they forgot was he was not a question. There was no answer to Elvis. Elvis will always be Elvis. He will be the prototype rock and roll singer. He gave this new music a shape, a face, and the rest us just tried to tag on and some of us got lucky.

[on meeting Freddie Mercury in 1986] I have to say that previously, I had never been a fan of Freddie's [Freddie Mercury] in terms of his kind of vocals but I certainly admired his ability, including his skill on the piano and, of course, he was such an extrovert showman. Just the year before when Queen did Live Aid (1985), although I myself couldn't take part as I was committed to a gospel charity gig in Birmingham, I managed to see snatches of the show and the second I saw Freddie launch into their act, it was obvious that Queen were going to steal the show. When they returned to Wembley during their Magic tour, I couldn't go to see them because I was on stage with Time but they invited me to their after show party. These kinds of parties are always the same - crowds of people, most of whom spend hours lining up to meet the star for usually no more than minutes, so it is not really conducive to getting to know someone.

Nobody's going to catch me now. I've had number ones in five decades. Who's going to do that? First of all, they've got to be around for five decades. Many of them barely make five years.

By the time The Beatles came in, we could link four-track machines instead of performing in mono. The Beatles could be very creative and the ingenuity they showed was terrific; absolutely fantastic sounds and great songs.

As for my sexuality I am sick to death of the media's speculation about it. What business is it of anyone else's what any of us are as individuals? I don't think my fans would care either way.

There is no room in my life for drugs, fights, divorce, adultery, sadism, unnecessary fuss and sex.

Rock'n'roll can manage without the sex and drugs.

I'm aware of the rumors but I am not gay.

[on Elvis Presley] Elvis was my idol from the beginning and even today when I'm alone I'll often put on the "King Creole" album. He's produced the most exciting pop music sounds of all time.

In the political climate, this whole political correctness thing bugs me like mad. I was so upset when they said they were going to call the lights in London winter lights. I'm saying, "Hello, I've got friends who are Asian, I wish them Happy Diwali, they wish me Happy Christmas". In fact, they enjoy Christmas. And when I've been there and there's Diwali going on I've enjoyed that, too, to be honest with you. I'm not so sure why they're so upset about the sensitivity of other religions who actually don't mind that we celebrate Christmas. Even in schools now I keep reading about how Christianity isn't necessarily taught anymore. I'm thinking, "Wait a minute. If I went to live in another country and it had a different faith and philosophy and I joined in there . . . If I was a kid and went to school, I would have to learn what they learn as well".

If I'm in the middle of hitting a most fantastic cross-court backhand top spin and someone says, "Can you stop now and have sex? I'll say, "No, thanks!: