Cilla Black, singer and TV star, dies in Spain aged 72
Singer and TV star Cilla Black, who enjoyed a 50-year showbusiness career, has died aged 72, her agent has said.
The 1960s singing star became a popular TV celebrity on such shows as Blind Date and Surprise Surprise.Police in Malaga said a woman named Priscilla White - Black's real name - had died in Estepona in the Costa del Sol region.
The death appeared to be due to natural causes, but this had not yet been confirmed by tests, police said.
"Details of her death will be announced following the coroner's report. Her family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time."
Prime Minister David Cameron has led tributes to the beloved entertainer, remembering her as "a huge talent who made a significant contribution to public life".
"I am so sad and shocked by news about my good friend Cilla," tweeted Dame Joan Collins. "She was a resplendent and rare talent."
Sir Bruce Forsyth said Black would be "sadly missed", while presenter Christopher Biggins described her as a "national treasure".
Broadcaster Noel Edmonds told BBC Radio 5 Live she "captured the hearts of the British people" because "she was our Cilla - there were no airs and graces."
Read more tributes.
Born Priscilla White in Liverpool, Black changed her name to launch a singing career with hits such as Anyone Who Had a Heart and You're My World.
She made her TV debut in 1968 with her own BBC One primetime series and went on to host a number of shows for ITV.
It was there she met her husband-to-be Bobby Willis and performed alongside such acts as The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers.
She was soon brought to the attention of manager Brian Epstein and released her first single, Love of the Loved, in September 1963.
The following year she released the ballads You're My World and Anyone Who Had a Heart, both of which went to number one.
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