You ask the questions: (Such as: Barry Manilow, have you ever considered plastic surgery? And would you try Viagra?)

Barry Manilow was born in Brooklyn in 1946. He has recorded 29 albums (his latest is Manilow Sings Sinatra) and the hit singles, "Mandy" and "I Write The Songs". Dismissed as terminally naff, he has sold more than 50 million records. Manilow, who has produced other artists such as Dionne Warwick, lives in Los Angeles.

Have you ever considered plastic surgery? What's the secret of your youthful looks?

Angela Parr, Edinburgh.

I think my passion for music keeps me young. I will probably turn old as soon as I ever decide to retire, which I will never do.

Which song do you wish you had written?

Lesley McEwen, Camden

"Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again". David Pomeranz wrote a real winner. Just the first few bars are enough to make me melt.

Who was Mandy?

Louisa Morgan, Billericay

Ask the writer, Scott English.

When was the last time you cried and why?

Sheila Wood, Glamorgan

My new musical, Harmony, opened in California last year. We've been working on it for seven years. At the end of the show the audience rose to their feet cheering and weeping, and I lost it.

Have your female fans ever been fanatically obsessed?

Donna Miles, Bromley

There have been some overly enthusiastic people during my career, but mostly my fans are great people with restraint, considering what a sex- god I've become.

Do you believe in God?

Sylvia Norton, Chester

Yes, of course. His name is Clive Davis and he is president of my record company, Arista records.

Which of your songs do you like the most?

Kate Harkin, Fulham

"One Voice".

I really enjoyed Take That's upbeat version of "Could it be Magic". Have you ever been tempted to give any of your other ballads the up-tempo treatment? If so, which ones?

Liz Charlton, Sevenoaks

During the last tour, I put a little more muscular groove underneath "Looks Like We Made It" and I thought it sounded pretty good.

Have you ever considered recording a CD of classically-inspired music? Your version of Schubert's "Ave Maria" is the best I've ever heard, and "Could It Be Magic" is based on a Prelude by Chopin.

Caroline Griffin, London W1

I have considered delving further into classical music but I don't feel I have the proper training to pull it off. I listen to classical music all the time because that's where all the great melodies are. I'm sure they have influenced my writing for years.

Could you please make up two lines of a song dedicated to me - one of your biggest fans, of course. I'd be so flattered. I'm divorced - I love golf, picnics, taking my dog for a walk, candlelit dinners and classical music. I look forward to your lyrics.

Jean Forge, Chalfont St Giles

Considering that my forte is melody and not lyric, I'll give it a try:

Jean, Jean, Bo Bean

Banana fanna fo fean

Me My Mo Mean - Jean!

What's your idea of the most romantic evening out? Does it involve Pina Colada?

Jayne Boyle, Cardiff

My most romantic evening wouldn't take place "out". It would take place inside. Rent a video, order a pizza, open a bottle of wine, light the fire, make love.

Is there a special person in your life at the moment?

Anne Mayhew, Dorset

Yes.

Do you enjoy it when fans throw their knickers at you? Would you prefer it was something else?

Deena Gourley, Raynes Park

Fans have very rarely thrown knickers at me. I think you've mistaken me for Tom Jones.

Is your Jewishness important to you?

Meg Wolfram, Shrewsbury

No. Human-ness is.

Who do you admire most in pop music at the moment?

Kerry Lewis, Clapham

Sting.

Is Have you ever forgotten the words to "Copacabana"?

Iris Hines, Milton Keynes

Never.

What's your all time favourite record?

Iris Norton, Esher

Shirley Horn's "Here's To Life".

Where's your favourite holiday destination?

Dora Gill, Colchester

Home!

When was the last time you did the housework?

Eileen Bristow, Southampton

I try and make my own bed whenever I can., just because it helps me feel like I live at home instead of being taken care of on the road. I even enjoy washing the dishes now and then. Really!

Are you rich enough never to have to work again - if so, why bother?

Sally Hill, Blackheath

I will always keep trying to create beautiful music, whether I need to or not. It's something I just cannot NOT do.

What's your drug of choice

Peter Williams, St Helens.

Evian Water.

What's the last film you went to see?

Francis Stonehill, Portsmouth

The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice. This is quite possibly the most unusual film that I've ever seen.

What's the funniest thing anyone has ever said about you?

Barbara Collins, Woodbridge

I thought that: "Old Big Nose Is Back!" was pretty funny.

Would you ever consider taking Viagra?

Katie Price, Hereford

Quite the opposite. I need saltpetre!

Describe yourself in two sentences.

Yvonne Nuttall, Folkestone

Too thin. Very musical.

You Ask The Questions

Next week: Sir Edward Heath, then following, Noel Edmonds

Please send any questions you would like to put to Sir Edward Heath or Noel Edmonds to: You Ask The Questions, Features

Dept, The Independent,

1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5DL. Or by fax on 0171-293 2182 or e-mail to: yourquestions@ independent.co.uk - by noon on Friday, 20 November