Following false allegations of sexual assault, Sir Cliff Richard – born Harry Rodger Webb – became ill. What exactly did the performer suffer from?
In 2014, police raided the artist’s Berkshire home after it was alleged the pop star sexually assaulted a young boy.
Granted no anonymity by law, the media had a field day covering the ongoing case.
“Within six months of the allegation I had shingles all over my head and face,” the 80-year-old recalled.
Once reactivated, the virus travels along the nerve pathways to the skin, leading to symptoms of the illness.
Signs include a red rash that begins a few day after pain, itching, fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over.
The other symptoms of shingles include burning, numbness or tingling, and sensitivity to touch.
Some people may experience a fever, headache, sensitivity to light or fatigue.
There are possible complications of shingles, including postherpetic neuralgia.
This is when the pain from shingles continues long after the blisters have cleared.
Such a side effect from the illness occurs when nerve fibres become damaged.
Sir Cliff Richards will be appearing on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories, at 9pm on ITV, Sunday.