Sheridan Smith pays tribute to "the most remarkable" Cilla Black

Sheridan Smith has paid tribute to the late Cilla Black, who she has described as a "true legend".

Smith, who played Black in the ITV 2014 biopic Cilla, said it was a "privilege" to portray the star who was "so kind and helpful".

Cilla Black dies at the age of 72: 12 of her best songs

She wrote on Twitter: "I'm absolutely devastated to hear the tragic news about Cilla. She was the most remarkable woman, a true legend.

"She was so kind and helpful to me, it was a privilege to play her.

"My condolences go out to her family and all who loved her. She will be truly missed."

Sheridan Smith talks ITV's Cilla: 'There's only one Cilla Black'

Cilla was a three-part drama charting Priscilla White's youth in Liverpool and her rise to fame as Cilla Black. Aneurin Barnard and Ed Stoppard starred alongside Smith.

News emerged earlier today that Black had died at her home in Spain at the age of 72.

Tributes have flooded in from stars such as Paul O'Grady, Cliff Richard, Barbara Windsor, Joan Collins and Holly Willoughby.

Cilla Black 1943-2015: Her life in pictures, from musical stardom to TV icon
Cilla Black 1943-2015: Life of a showbiz icon in pictures