Cilla Black has passed away at the age of 72, according to various reports. The veteran TV presenter, who hosted hit entertainment shows Blind Date and Surprise Surprise, died in her Spanish home near Marbella.
Local police confirmed the death of British national Priscilla White – her real name – and said that the star is believed to have died of natural causes, although they are awaiting autopsy results.
"I can confirm the death of British national Priscilla White, aged 72," said police. "We are still awaiting autopsy results but everything at this stage is pointing towards her death being the result of natural causes."
© Photo: Getty ImagesCilla Black died at the age of 72
Police sources also revealed that the death happened overnight, and that Cilla had travelled to Spain with her eldest son and manager Robert a few days ago. The singer is known to have suffered from hearing problems and arthritis.
Cilla wed her manager Bobby Willis in 1969 and the couple had three sons together, Robert, Ben and Jack. Bobby sadly died of lung cancer in 1999, leaving their eldest son to take on the role of Cilla's manager.
Holly Willoughby called the late star an "incredible lady" and one of her heroes
Tributes have poured in for the TV personality, who is hailed as one of Britain's national treasures. Joan Collins tweeted that she was "sad and shocked" to hear the news, calling her dear friend a "resplendent and rare talent".
Blue's Antony Costa posted: "Such sad news about cilla black she was such a lovely person.. I met her so many times she surprised me at the age 14 for surprise surprise x".
"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," wrote Holly Willoughby.
Tributes from the showbiz world have started to pour in
Last year Cilla opened up about growing older, saying that she was "falling apart". The iconic showbiz star from Liverpool also told the Mirror in a frank interview: "Seventy-five is a good age to go. If things are starting to drop off – like the hearing – and I've got twinges in the morning, I do think that."
Championed by The Beatles, Cilla began her career as a singer in 1963, and her singles Anyone Who Had a Heart and You're My World both reached number one.
Alongside her musical success, the entertainer hosted her own eponymous variety show, Cilla, for the BBC between 1968 and 1976.
