COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Cilla Black has died at the age of 72.



Spanish police confirmed the much-loved TV presenter and entertainer's passing to The Telegraph.

"I can confirm the death of British national Priscilla White, aged 72," said a police spokesperson.

"We are still awaiting autopsy results but everything at this stage is pointing towards her death being the result of natural causes."

Born Priscilla Maria Veronica White on May 27, 1942 in Merseyside, Cilla's career as a singer took off in the 1960s, and was recently documented in ITV biopic Cilla, starring Sheridan Smith as the young singer.

Black had 11 Top Ten hits in the UK charts including 'Anyone Who Had a Heart' and the John Lennon and Paul McCartney-penned track 'Step Inside Love'.

She started her television career in the late 1960s when she was offered her own TV show by BBC executive Bill Cotton, and soon became a staple of Saturday night light entertainment with primetime hits such as Surprise Surprise and Blind Date.

BAFTA honoured her with a special award last year, celebrating her long-standing contribution to the entertainment industry.

The Very Best of Cilla Black gives the late singer her first-ever UK No.1 album



The late Cilla Black has received her first-ever UK number one album this week.

Expanded collection The Very Best of Cilla Black reaches the summit just a day after the beloved singer was laid to rest on Thursday (August 20).

The compilation was originally released back in 1983, but re-entered the UK album chart following Black's death earlier in August.

Dan Chalmers of Rhino, East West & ADA said: "This number one is a reflection of the special place Cilla Black occupied in the hearts of the British public and a fitting tribute to an icon who shaped popular music and entertainment.

"Cilla had an extraordinary and unforgettable voice and her timeless music will inspire fans and musicians for generations to come."