I faced off with a mob boss and hung out with Elvis showbiz is a strange world.

The singer is 83 and approaching 60 years since his first No1 but says he won’t slow down till his voice packs in

- MARC BAKER

SIR TOM JONES ON HIS AMAZING LIFE SO FAR

SIR Tom Jones is the first to admit he was born with the gift of a golden voice – but even he is amazed he’s still belting it out to fans at the grand old age of 83.

Tom is in the middle of his mammoth Ages and Stages World Tour, taking in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Mexico, before his UK and Irish dates begin in Dublin in June.

The 43-date jaunt, which has already played to sell-out crowds in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Dubai, is enough to test the stamina of any young artist.

But despite his age, Tom says he’s feeling fitter than ever thanks to having both of his hips replaced in recent years, having had surgery on his left hip in 2017 and his right in 2022.

He said: “Well, thank God my voice is still working. I am 83 years old. I mean I can’t believe it but it is true. When I am singing I am like, ‘How the hell is this coming out of me?’ Honestly.

“If the voice was not there I am sure I would be going, ‘Urgh, I don’t want to do so many shows,’ but I love it as the voice is still working.”

Tom touches down on his beloved green, green grass of home in Wales in July when he plays the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Tom will play to just 4000 Welsh fans at the gig, which will come weeks after his 84th birthday on June 7.

And he confessed going home to Wales always brings back fond memories having grown up in the mining village of Treforest, Glamorgan.

Born Thomas John Woodward to mum Freda and his coal miner dad Thomas, he began singing early, performing at family gatherings, weddings and his school choir.