Sir Tom developed a reputation as a Lothario from the early years of his singing career, back in the Sixties. However, he had actually married his childhood sweetheart, Melinda Trenchard, known as Linda, in 1957. She avoided the spotlight throughout her husband’s rise to fame and stayed with him for her whole life despite struggling with his extra-marital affairs for years.
The Sex Bomb singer celebrated his 80th birthday over the weekend and although Linda died in 2016, he continues to grieve for her.
WalesOnline reported in 2013 that Sir Tom prioritised his loyal wife despite his countless flings.
He said: “I’m still in love with Linda today.
“We’ve gone through thick and thin.
“I also remember all those times growing up together which is why we will never split — no matter what has happened or what I’ve done.”
The pair grew up in the mining village of Pontypridd, and were just 16 when they were wed.
He revealed during a BBC Radio 2 documentary to acknowledge his milestone birthday how she first caught his eye.
The hitmaker said: “I remember her playing marbles and I thought, ‘My god, what great legs she’s got’.
“And then she stood up and she was as pretty in the face as her legs were.”
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“Instead I had to do this singing career not just for me, but for Linda and our son, Mark.”
Yet, his unfaithfulness was a source of speculation for years and he allegedly slept with 250 people per year.
He also had a two-year affair with Mary Wilson from The Supremes and was also the subject of a paternity case from 1987.
Model Katherine Berkery said the crooner was the father of her son, Jonathan.
Sir Tom always denied it but still ended up paying £50,000.
He later explained: “It wasn’t something I had planned.
“If I had, I would have done something more than just financially. I was tricked. I fell for the seduction.”
Sir Tom claimed that he only ever loved Linda. He showed his affection for his wife through his track ‘The Road’, which was an apology dedicated to Linda after years of cheating.
One lyric read: “The road always returns to you, and my love, it still belongs to you.”
As WalesOnline reported, he said: “As a singer, it was easier to say sorry to Linda through lyrics rather than face to face.
“It was like going into the confessional box and I hope it goes some way to setting the record straight for her.”
Linda was known to lash out at Sir Tom for his behaviour, too.
He once admitted: “Oh, I’ve had more than a few plates and punches thrown at me.
“But Linda’s simply this naturally quiet person who’s not one for the bling of showbiz.”