British singer and TV host Cilla Black dies at 72

Her publicist Nick Fiveash said in a brief statement: “It is with deep sorrow that I confirm today the passing of singer and TV personality Cilla Black“.

TV star Brendan Courtney has given a moving tribute to Cilla Black.

Like the Beatles, Cilla Black – real name Priscilla Maria Veronica White – played to packed out audiences in the clubs of Liverpool, including the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool, still a major attraction for tourists from around the world.

Hers was a remarkable career by any standards.

But Cilla, 72, whose rare talents were matched by a phenomenal capacity for hard work, remained in the public eye and at the highest level for approaching half a century. She was nearly a family member.

Cilla Black was born in the tough Scotland Road area of Liverpool. Her impromptu singing impressed the Beatles and she was spotted by a local promoter who decided to give her a break. “Her family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time”.

Her life was recently the subject of a major television drama series, simply called Cilla, which won praise from the star.

“Cilla sustained her place at the forefront of the Brit-Pop music scene, with one of the most impressive starts for a British female recording artist, including 17 consecutive Top 40 triumphs on the singles charts”.

Her hits included You’re My World, Alfie, the theme song from the Michael Caine film of that name, and Step Inside Love. It was a shrewd move and, largely through her own sheer drive, she remained at the height of popularity until the end of the century and beyond.

“I will always think of her as outrageous, funny, incredibly gifted but above all full of heart”.

Blind Date (1985-2003), Surprise! “To put this unprecedented success into perspective, it happened during a decade when achieving a Top 20 single meant that you had to sell in excess of 100,000 copies a day in the UK alone” her website adds. She has been the recipient of many TV honours and awards.

After Epstein died in 1967, her then-boyfriend Bobby Willis took over running her career, and they married in 1969.

She is survived by her three sons Robert, Ben and Jack, and two grandchildren.