David Bowie was shocked by the timing of his near-fatal heart attack last year (04) - because he'd given up smoking six months previously.

The singer quit his 60-a-day cigarette habit for the benefit of his five-year-old daughter ALEXANDRIA.

He says, "I started to give up when my daughter was born because I wouldn't smoke inside the house with her there so I had to go outside. It's bl**dy cold in winter in New York, so I just quit. That was worth it wasn't it!

"As far as I'm concerned I lead a healthy lifestyle now so it did come as a shock to have a heart attack."

But after taking a year out - Bowie is back and fitter than ever.

He adds, "I feel fantastic at the moment. After I had the heart attack, I decide to take a year off and do nothing.

"I didn't do any work and just made sure I was looking after myself. I go to the gym. I don't drink and I'm feeling really good.