Sir Cliff Richard has been offered a job as a chef.

The Congratulations' hitmaker agreed to step into the kitchen at Gus's Fried Chicken in Memphis, Tennessee during a visit with friends and collaborators David Gest, Freda Payne and Candi Staton and after a tour of the restaurant, impressed owner Wendy McCrory when he served over 20 customers in half an hour.

Cliff agreed to take on the challenge after David - executive producer on his forthcoming album 'Soulicious' - bet him £500 that he could not cook in the restaurant.

However, diners were impressed and Wendy promptly offered him a job.

Candy said afterwards: "I have never seen a white man cook Cajun fried rice and southern potato salad like Cliff, he's obviously got a lot of soul in that rather lean body of his."

Freda added: "Cliff obviously knows how to make a tender breast.I even ordered a second one!"

Despite the job offer, Cliff is unlikely to accept as he is currently busy with his music.

'Soulicious' - on which Freda and Candy both appear - will be released on 05 October 2011 to coincide with his UK tour which begins on 15 October 2011 in Nottingham.