This Is Your Life: Engelbert Humperdinck

Engelbert HUMPERDINCK (1936-)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Engelbert Humperdinck, singer, was surprised by Michael Aspel - with the help of family and friends - at a hotel in Kingston, south-west London, having been led to believe he was there to be interviewed about his 250 worldwide fan clubs.

Arnold George Dorsey, who was born in Madras, India, relocated with his family to Leicester after the Second World War. Following his national service in the mid-1950s and determined to become a singer, Arnold spent his evenings singing in working men's clubs while working for an engineering company.

After moving to London and releasing his first single, Crazy Bells, success was slow until his agent suggested a name change in 1965. As Engelbert Humperdinck, he had the first of a string of hit singles in 1967 with Release Me. A guest appearance on Dean Martin's American television programme led to international stardom and a residency in Las Vegas.

"Thank you. I can't believe this! Where's my wife?"

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