Why, why, why I’m silencing the voice

KNICKER bonkers glory: Sir Tom Jones soundalike Ray Dean with some of the frillies which have been flung in his direction

HIS idol is still going strong at 73, but top Tom Jones tribute act Ray Dean is finally hanging up the leather trousers and closing the drawer on bonkers knicker glory after 54 years in the business.

The Oldham-born singer has performed all over the world, including the Welsh warbler’s favourite stomping ground, Las Vegas.

And he’s amassed thousands of adoring fans who’ve lobbed lingerie amounting to around 800 pairs of knickers — which he still has at his Littleborough home.

So “Why, why, why” is one of the UK’s leading Tom Jones impersonator’s quitting showbiz?

And won’t he miss the phone numbers scribbled on frillies being flung on to the stage?

“At 73 how much longer can you go on?” said Ray.

“I’ve had an amazing career, everything has been a highlight. I’ve enjoyed a good living but everything is changing, people have different ideas of entertainment these days.

“I have kept all the knickers, it seemed a shame not to, some even have phone numbers and messages on!”

As well as entertaining screaming crowds from Aberdeen to Australia, Ray has enjoyed success in Russia and was invited to perform at the opening of Estonia’s Eu Saku Suurhall Stadium, the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 in front of a 10,000-strong crowd.










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