Sir Tom Jones opens up about living in isolation with tuberculosis
The Voice UK coach Tom Jones has opened up about how the current lockdown reminds him of when he had to isolate himself in his house in Pontypridd in his early teens because he had tuberculosis (TB).
The legendary singer was speaking as part of BBC Radio's series of programmes celebrating his 80th birthday.
"I was isolated for two years. In the house, I couldn't go out," he said. "For the first year, I couldn't get out of bed. The toilet was in the garden!
Related: Sir Tom Jones talks about experiencing sexual abuse in the music industry
"We had this three-storey house, I was on the middle floor in the back room, 'cause that's was where I could be isolated in there."
"You know, with this lockdown now, I'm thinking, 'My God, how are those kids coping?' Because I remember, it taught me to not take health for granted.
"As a child I couldn't go out to play in the street with other children. I could watch them from my window, but I couldn't go out there. And kids used to wave to me. And I could talk to them through the window, but not actually get close to them.
"It was a similar situation like what the kids are going through now. So I sympathise with young people that can't go and play. It's a big thing, especially when you're learning about life."
Earlier this year, Sir Tom revealed that his surname isn't actually Jones.
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