When I was 20, I left Manchester and went and worked in a London pub for a couple of years. While working there I made quite a few friends.
A few years later, around 1993, I was invited down for this friends birthday party, whose birthday was 4 days before mine. He owned a restaurant in Covent Garden, so knew many people.
Unfortunately, I couldn't make it down to visit but on the night of his birthday he phoned me, and told me he had a friend who wanted to speak to me and wish me a happy birthday.
The lady was lovely on the phone and sang happy birthday to me. Although I recognised her voice, I refused to believe it was actually her phoning me. She said she'd prove it, and immediately burst into singing 'Never, never, never' and 'Natalie' down the phone.
It was Shirley Bassey, who'd been appearing at the Royal Albert Hall that night, and had gone on to his party.
It's a moment I will never forget but I've kicked myself ever since for giving that party a miss