SHE has sold more than 100million records, won 12 Grammys and performed at some of the biggest venues in the world.
But superstar Tina Turner says she feels like her legs sometimes overshadow her classic voice — because people always mention them.
In a rare exclusive interview, Tina, who once reportedly insured her pins for more than £2million, said: “Sometimes I think I’m as famous for my legs as much as my voice.
“I only had my legs on show so much as it made it much easier to dance . . . And then it became part of my style.
“When I was younger I never felt confident about any part of my body, but with all the attention my legs received, I realised they must be OK!”
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The music icon today celebrates the fifth anniversary of her smash hit West End show Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which tells the story of her rollercoaster life set against her biggest hits including Proud Mary and River Deep — Mountain High.
She retired from performing in 2009 after a 50th anniversary tour and has told her fans that seeing an actress play her is now the closest they will get to seeing her live.
Tina told me: “That is exactly why I decided to make the musical.”
And although she always had an inimitable stage presence, she has enjoyed seeing other women portray her.
Tina, 83, explained: “They don’t copy me, they have to find a version of me in themselves.
“It isn’t just the singing and dancing . . . the acting talent to play me is immense.
“One actor plays me from 17 until 40 years old and is barely off stage.”
Her extraordinary life included her mum abandoning when she was just 11.
Years later she met Ike Turner, who she married and performed with for 16 years until 1976, launching her as a major pop star.
But it was an abusive relationship which she escaped before forging a record-breaking career of her own.
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Tina hopes the show, which is booking until February 2024 at London’s Aldwych Theatre, will help inspire other artists.
The legend added: “I battled hard to be the first black female solo rock artist to fill stadiums.
“I am proud to have played a part in clearing that path for women of the next generation — and the next.”
Tina worked on the musical with top theatre director Phyllida Lloyd, who brought Abba’s musical Mamma Mia! to the West End in 1999.
Hard-won joy
And despite being just shy of 80 when the show came together, Phyllida couldn’t believe how hands-on Tina got — busting out so many moves in rehearsals that she had to change her clothes.
She recalled: “It was quite phenomenal. She’s an astonishing human being.
“We were very fearful of what her impression would be of what we were putting together.
“She was quite testing about the style of dancing.
“At rehearsals she showed us how it was to be done.
“There was this woman who was nearly 80 and she just danced and danced.
“Eventually she had to throw her shirt off and call for another from the wardrobe department because she was getting so hot.
“But it was always really good fun being around her. She worked her way to a very hard-won joy, and that was a real example for all of us.”
Tina’s star power has been proved by the thousands who have flocked to see the show.
Phyllida added: “She didn’t really want a musical about her life. I think she felt she had retired peacefully in Switzerland.
“But she gets letters from thousands of people from all over the world talking about how she has inspired them to survive trials in their lives, so she knows there are millions of people out there for whom a sense of her and being close to her keeps her going.
“That’s what made her think the show was a good idea.”
Sam is back for Euro gig
SAM Ryder will return to the Eurovision stage at next month’s final.
The singer, who came second for the UK last year with Space Man, will perform while Europe votes for their favourite entry in Liverpool on May 13.
Sam, inset, said: “I can’t wait to be back among the beautiful chaos of it all and to watch the incredible artists perform, while bringing you a special performance of our own. Big love!”
A second act, The Liverpool Songbook, will celebrate the city’s outstanding contribution to pop, with previous Eurovision entries Mahmood, Netta, Daoi Freyr, Cornelia Jakobs and Duncan Laurence performing, along with Scouser Sonia, who came second in 1993.
Ukraine will be honoured with last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra taking to the stage, followed by a medley performed by former Ukrainian entries Go_A, Jamala, Tina Karol and Verka Serduchka.
Ella woe at snub to Cher
WHAT could have been a beautiful showbiz friendship between Cher and Ella Henderson has stalled without Ella even knowing about it.
After belting out the American superstar’s 1998 hit Believe on The X Factor in 2012, Ella, won her over – but Ella had no idea.
She said: “I did that song for the bootcamp section of the show and it went viral.
“After that she followed me on Twitter and messaged me saying, ‘Can we meet for coffee in London?’
“I’ve only just seen this message! I never saw it at the time.
“Now she’s unfollowed me. Ten years.”
A laughing Ella added: “I love you Cher. I’ve always loved her.”
I’m sure Cher will forgive you, Ella. At least you’re not blocked . . .
LIMP Bizkit performed at OVO Wembley Arena in London tonight in a great warm-up for their return in the summer.
The show by the American rap rock band, featuring lead singer Fred Durst, was so successful that they will headline a one-off gig at West London’s Gunnersbury Park on August 13.
Pendulum will also be on the line-up, alongside Kennyhoopla, Joey Valence & Brea and Deijuvhs. Tickets for the show will go on sale at 10am on Friday.
GOULD & SILVER
ELLIE Goulding shimmered in celebration after landing a No1 single and album.
The Brit wore this silver mini-dress and boots to surprise fans at the US festival Coachella during Calvin Harris’s set.
She sang their chart-topping collaboration Miracle, days after her latest record Higher Than Heaven also took pole position.
Ellie now equals Adele as the British female solo artist with the most No1 albums, with four each.
