CelebMix
Much loved TV icon Cilla Black has died aged 72 it was announced today.
Black, famed for her TV work on shows Blind Date and Surprise, Surprise passed away at her home in Marbella, Spain.
Local police said in a statement:
“I can confirm the death of British national Priscilla White, aged 72. We are still awaiting autopsy results but everything at this stage is pointing towards her death being the result of natural causes.”
He publicist Nick Fiveash confirmed the news this afternoon saying:
“It is with deep sorrow that I confirm today the passing of singer and TV personality Cilla Black…her family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time.”
As well as her TV work, Black was also an established and much loved singer in the 1960’s. She was signed to a record deal in 1963 and while her debut single Love of the Loved fared poorly, her follow-up Anyone Who Had A Heart shot to number one.
She would go on to have 20 consecutive Top 40 hits on the British single and EP charts, including two consecutive number one singles in 1964, before later making the move into television.
News of her death has sent shock-waves around the TV and entertainment world, with tributes pouring in on social media:
This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford wrote:
“So sad to hear that Cilla Black has left us……you gave us a “Lorra Lorra laughs” Cilla. RIP x x.”
Host of the newly revived Surprise, Surprise Holly Willoughby said:
“So so sad to hear the news that we have lost one of my heroes, Cilla you were one incredible lady! Sending all my love to her family. X”
Singer Gareth Gates posted:
“So sad to hear Cilla Black has died. She was certainly the First Lady of Showbiz. RIP x”
Meanwhile, other famous and established names have spoken about their shock at her death. Sir Bruce Forsyth said:
“Dear Cilla, I will miss you, I still can’t believe it. So many people are going to be so upset, she had such a following, everybody loved her.”
Prime Minister David Cameron declared that Cilla had:
“…made a significant contribution to public life in Britain”.
Cilla’s husband and manager Bobby Willis died in 1999 and she is survived by her three sons.
