Cilla Black to be laid to rest today

When Cilla makes her final return to Liverpool, the city where she took her first steps into show-business, hundreds of fans are expected to line the two mile route to the church and pay their respects as her cortège passes.

Comic Jimmy Tarbuck, 75, will read the Prayers Of The Faithful while entertainer Christopher Biggins, 66, gives a Bible reading from the Book Of Wisdom.

Her son Robert Willis will read Henry Scott-Holland’s poem Death Is Nothing At All, while Ben Willis will read a passage by Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.

“It’s something she would have approved of”, he said.

After the service, Black’s body will be laid to rest at a private ceremony in Allerton Cemetery, where her parents are buried.

“Liverpool needs its Cinderella back again”.

As well as a striking picture of an up-to-date Cilla along with the words “In Celebration for the Life of Cilla Black OBE”, it includes a colour photograph of her as a young woman playing the piano with her beloved late husband Bobby.

Cilla’s sons were seen leaving a funeral rehearsal yesterday.

“Liverpool people are extraordinary, hysterical, so open, just like Cilla”.

Mourners wishing to pay tribute to Cilla have been asked to give money to several children’s hospitals in her name. A spokesman for Alder Hey said: “Cilla has been a supporter of Alder Hey and many of our staff have fond memories of her celebrating with us at our global Scouse Day fundraising events. We are incredibly grateful for their support and are thinking of them at this hard time”.

She went on to become a TV favourite, hosting the hit Saturday night shows Blind Date and Surprise Surprise from the mid-1980s to early 2000s.

Cilla died earlier this month after falling at her home in Spain.

An album of the star’s greatest hits re-entered the UK top 40 after her death, and is continuing to climb the chart.

The greatest hits collection, first released in 1983 and then most recently re-released in 2013, landed its highest chart position as fans paid tribute.

Black’s hit Anyone Who Had A Heart will play during Holy Communion, while The Long And Winding Road by her friends The Beatles has been chosen as the recessional music.

Cliff is due to fly back after the service to his home in Albufeira, Portugal, where he is being honoured with the keys to the city by the mayor at a concert tonight.