Cilla Black: TV presenter and singing star dies aged 72
The iconic showbiz star – whose impressive career spanned over 50 years and enjoyed musical hits as well as shows Blind Date and Surprise Surprise – has passed away.
Surprise Surprise and Blind Date star Cilla Black has died aged 72, it was announced today.
Cilla, who also had two number one singles at the start of a showbiz career stretching over 50 years, died in Spain.
A Spanish police spokeswoman confirmed today that Cilla had died at her home Spain, The Mirror reports.
She said: “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.”
Cilla – a long term friend of fellow TV presenter Paul O’Grady and other LGBT stars – had previously spoken of her iconic status within the gay community.
“I don’t know why I’ve got so many gay friends. I just seem to attract gay men.
“They call you a Fag Hag for that over here, don’t they. In America you’re a ‘Fruit Fly’ – I prefer that.”
Cilla was married for 30 years to her manager Bobby Willis until he died in 1999 of lung cancer, aged just 57, leaving her bereft.
She leaves three sons, Robert, Ben and Jack, as well as two grandchildren.
