1Lily Allen at MySpace secret gigs – London
It’s thought Allen will now pursue a career in acting. “I do however remain a fan of new music, so this is not some selfish crusade,” she wrote. Pic: PA Photos
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Allen’s retirement from music is linked to her high-profile campaign against illegal file-sharing. One of the reasons she is quitting is that making music is simply not profitable for her any more.
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She explained in her blog, which has now been taken down: “The days of me making money from recording music have been and gone as far as I’m concerned.”
4Lily Allen concert at G-A-Y – London
Although, given the money she makes from touring, Allen is far from destitute: she bought a beach in Jamaica not so long ago for “about a quarter of a million dollars”. Pic: PA Photos
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Lily has loads of options available to her. She looks set to concentrate on the theatre for now, but could also pursue her presenting career, or even make a return trip to ‘Neighbours’. Pic: Tom Oxley
6V Festival 2006
Lily won’t be disappearing from the world of music just yet; the singer’s tour continues until March 2010. Pic: PA Photos
7Lily Allen concert at G-A-Y – London
Lily’s comments about file-sharing have won support from a variety of other musicians, including Gary Barlow, Bat For Lashes’ Natasha Khan and Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp. Pic: PA Photos
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“I’ve been on the road for four years,” Lily said recently, “and I’ve given my voice a real run for its money.” She also revealed she’s been offered the lead role in a West End play. Pic: PA Photos
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Lily is set to play the lead in Neil LaBute’s ‘Reasons To Be Pretty’ and has already had some training from a RADA representative.
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Lily’s announcement marks the end of a short but illustrious career for the singer, which began with the release of her debut single proper ‘Smile’ in July 2006. Pic: PA Photos
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Lily at Glastonbury 2008. He grandmother died the night before this pic was taken. Pic: Tom Oxley
12Bestival 2006 – Isle Of Wight
Another avenue for Lily could be fashion; she’s often seen on the front row at Chanel’s catwalk shows and has designed her own range of jewellery. Pic: PA Photos
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Lily Allen shot into the NME Cool List in 2006. She reached third place in the same year BBC3 voted her one of the Most Annoying People Of The Year. Pic: Dean Chalkley
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Another string to Lily’s bow is that of philanthropist. She’s helped raise money for a variety of causes including War Child and children’s charity The Hoping Foundation. Pic: PA Photos
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Lily’s also famously slagged off a whole host of other celebs. Luke Pritchard of The Kooks, Bob Geldof and Katy Perry have all been on the receiving end. Pic: PA Photos
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Lily’s won a variety of awards over the years, including NME’s Worst Dressed 2007 and GQ’s Woman Of The Year 2009. Pic: Andy Willsher
17Glastonbury Festival 2009 – Day Two
Lily Allen: retiring from music at the grand old age of 24. Get tickets to her remaining dates – including Birmingham, Glasgow and Liverpool – while you can. Pic: PA Photos