Free Republic

Dame Shirley Bassey lives a solitary, almost mysterious life of luxurious semi-exile, earned over six decades of stardom, and sweetened by a rare ability to speak out when it matters. Last week, Shirley’s attention was caught by the phenomenon of female singers wearing revealing outfits at galas and premieres. The Dame did not approve

An invitation to join Dame Shirley Bassey at the Ritz Casino is not to be ignored - reports The Times. After unveiling her new album, The Performance, we ask the Welsh wonder, 72, if she is ready to return glamour and hummability to that much abased commodity, the James Bond theme tune.