But at 70 I believe the facts are more important than the fantasies. He continues: “Diana and I were like sister and brother. I remember reading a book about Diana Ross and there were five chapters about her and I saying we were lovers. “I know there are going to be a lot of books about my life but I don’t care. “Reality has nothing to do with fantasies.,” he says. Then he tries to dispel what he calls the “fantasy” surrounding his incredible love life which is said to involve a string of beauties including Elvis’s widow Priscilla, Mick Jagger’s first wife Bianca and US model Debbie Dickinson (younger sister or Sly Stallone’s ex Janice).īut as he enters his eighth decade, Julio says we shouldn’t always believe the hype. He then starts serenading me with Love Me Tender by Elvis, finally bursting out laughing as my face burns ever redder. Julio huskily confides: “When you go back to the Beatles, Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Elvis. “Yes, my wife, and my kids and his brothers have, but I have never met her, no, no, never.”īut not as charming as his dad who confides seductively that what binds their music (Enrique’s pop, his classical ballads) is a mutual appreciation of “el amor”. “You know I have to tell the truth, I have never met Anna,” he laments. So it comes as a shock when he reveals that in the 12 years his son has been in a relationship with the beautiful blonde tennis star Anna Kournikova, Julio is still waiting to be introduced to her.
The father seems to have the greater affinity with women. Father and son may be from the same grapes but they have matured into very different wines. His broken English with a warm Spanish accent is a delicious sound, and he is a master at putting women at their ease. He was sweet in a brotherly type of way.īut Julio is more spicy than sweet.
Last month I interviewed Julio’s pop star son Enrique, who slouches in his chair and at 38 retains a typically boyish demeanour with a baseball cap and trainers. His father, Julio Senior, was so virile he even had a child seven months after he had died (he passed away aged 90, while his 40 year old wife was pregnant.) His first words were probably “Do you come here often?” I don’t need a mirror to know that I’m blushing… and thank goodness I’m sitting down, because my knees suddenly feel a bit weak…īut whose wouldn’t? Julio comes from a long line of ladykillers. Never met: Anna Kournikova has been with Julio's son Enrique for 12 years “My favourite place is the moon because I have never been there,” he purrs. In fact, what’s harder to understand is how he managed to find the time to sell more than 300 million records too.įlustered, I try to retain some semblance of professionalism, but when I ask Julio where his favourite place is, he’s at it again.
The legendary Spanish singer’s charm and charisma is undeniable, and after just a few minutes in his company it’s easy to see just how the reputed 3,000 notches found their way to his bedpost. What’s that they say about leopards again? “Anyway, tell me,” he says, voice dripping with honey, “Are you married?” His apparent sincerity would be easier to accept if his statement wasn’t immediately followed by a question. But, believe me, after 45 years I think, more than anything, I am an artist.” I have loved and respected women since I was 15 years old. He insists: “I have been with so many beautiful girls in my life. The king of the Casanovas is trying to persuade me that he’s changed, that he’s no longer a womaniser. Julio Iglesias – unlike most of the ladies he’s met in his 70 years on the planet – is protesting too much.