In the early 1960s a schoolgirl from East London became one of the hottest properties in showbusiness when she recorded three number one hits at the tender age of 14.

Now, after 40 years on the circuit, Helen Shapiro is completing the final tour of her successful career, singing a fond farewell to the many fans who have supported her.

The Helen Shapiro Farewell Concert tour will last until the end of the year, and it arrives at the Radlett Centre, in Aldenham Avenue, on July 6.

This week Helen, who is known for hits such as You Don't Know and Walkin' Back to Happiness, said she was giving up performing to concentrate on her religious work.

"When I finish this tour I will have been in showbusiness for nearly 42 years, and 99 per cent of that time has been spent touring, " she said.

"I love the shows and love singing the music it is a great buzz and there is nothing like it.

"But I am getting a bit tired of traipsing up and down the motorways."

The show will feature a range of Helen's music, including pop, blues, jazz and gospel songs.

Helen, who was brought up in Clapton, initially found herself in the public spotlight when her first record, Treat Me Like A Child, went to number three in the charts.

Looking back, she said that one of the most thrilling moments of her career was when she topped the bill at the London Palladium when she was just 15.

"I didn't used to get nervous, but it was a fairly awesome experience the Palladium was the place where you got all the biggest stars and I was only 15."

Now Helen, a Messianic Jew, wants to dedicate time to her gospel evenings, which involve her singing and talking about her faith at churches across the country.

Tickets for the show at the Radlett Centre, which starts at 8pm, are available by phoning the box office on 01923 859291.

June 19, 2002 13:00