Sir Tom Jones feels "as strong as ever"

Asked if he still lived up to his 1999 hit single 'Sex Bomb', he said: "I hope so. I feel as strong as ever. I don't feel any different. I'm just an older version of what I was 40 years ago."

The 'Delilah' hitmaker admitted his illness only became a "big deal" because it caused him to pull out of his concerts, and doesn't think anyone would have "taken any notice" if it had happened at any other time.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, he said: "I was on the road and when we got to London, I was feeling weak.

"I wasn't feeling so good and they said, 'You had better get yourself checked, your blood and everything'.

"So I was in there for four days and they checked everything and said it was a viral infection. I just didn't feel good and they said you need antibiotics. So they gave it intravenously and that was it.

"If it had happened at another time, nobody would have taken any notice. I would have gone in for a couple of days and that would have been it. But I had to cancel shows. So that was a big deal."

The 'Voice' coach returned to the stage following his illness in August and was delighted to have got back on track.

He tweeted at the time: "Many thanks to all who came out for our show this summer. We all had a wonderful time onstage, sharing great music, fantastic vibes, enjoying the long summer glow. Apologies again for the shows that didn't happen, but hope to see you all soon next time, next place. Lots of love. (sic)"

Last September, the 'Sex Bomb' hitmaker was forced to scrap his US tour - just five days before it was scheduled to kick off - due to ill health.