Dame Shirley Bassey set to release ‘grand finale’ album at the age of 83

She famously sang Diamonds Are Forever – but it looks like Dame Shirley Bassey’s singing career may not be so eternal.

At 83, the legendary Welsh singer has signed a deal with Decca for an LP described as “her grand finale”.

Shirley said it’s “a celebration of 70 years in show-biz, 70 years of support from my fans and 70 years of music!”

She added: “I’ve trodden the boards of many stages and kicked up many a diamante heel!”

The diva, famed for gowns as glittering as her career, has certainly come a long way.

Shirley was born in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, the youngest of seven, to a Nigerian dad and a mum from Teesside.

Her father left when she was two. So, at 15, she quit school for a job in a packing factory to help out.

She started singing in clubs in 1953 and was spotted by record producer Johnny Franz in 1955.

Her 1956 debut single Burn My Candle was banned by the BBC for being too saucy.

But she went on to have many hits, including iconic James Bond themes Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker.

She made 70 albums, sold nearly 140 million records and even revealed a comic talent with her legendary performance on a 1979 Morcambe & Wise Show.

Shirley had three children, Mark, Sharon, and Samantha. But Samantha died in 1985. And Shirley’s two marriages failed.

Her new, as-yet untitled album will be released later this year.

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