"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."
The television presenter and singer had 11 Top Ten hits in the UK chart and was a staple of Saturday night television as the face of Surprise Surprise and Blind Date. Her life was also recently documented in the ITV biopic Cilla, which starred Sheridan Smith as the entertainer during her rise to fame.
Tributes to the iconic singer and TV presenter quickly came flooding in from across the entertainment industry and wider world - read a selection below:
ITV:
The whole ITV family are very sad to hear of the passing of Cilla Black.
Our thoughts are with her family & friends. pic.twitter.com/kBGtIW18ms
— ITV (@ITV) August 2, 2015
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Actress and author Joan Collins:
I am so sad and shocked by news about my good friend Cilla. She was a resplendent and rare talent. RIP #cillablack http://t.co/wsK6RtIszI
— Joan Collins (@Joancollinsdbe) August 2, 2015
TV presenter Holly Willoughby, who now hosts Surprise Surprise:
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
— Holly Willoughby (@hollywills) August 2, 2015
This photo is even more special to me now... pic.twitter.com/nmUcArmJjO
— Holly Willoughby (@hollywills) August 2, 2015
Sheridan Smith, who played Cilla in last year's ITV biopic:
I'm absolutely devastated to hear the tragic n #ltw pic.twitter.com/r4UJndo2dH
— Sheridan Smith (@Sheridansmith1) August 2, 2015
This Morning host Philip Schofield:
I've just heard the incredibly sad news that the legendary Cilla has died. So sad. A truly wonderful lady and an entertainment icon
— Phillip Schofield (@Schofe) August 2, 2015
TV presenter Carol Vorderman:
Cilla was a one off,the funniest woman to lunch with. "Anyone Who Had A Heart?"well,you had the biggest.We'll miss u https://t.co/LxfzUcIOYE
— Carol Vorderman MBE (@carolvorders) August 2, 2015
Frankie Goes to Hollywood musician Holly Johnson:
Sorry to hear about the passing of Cilla Black who entertained millions during her marvellous lifetime . pic.twitter.com/BZhfiFZrXr
— Holly Johnson (@TheHollyJohnson) August 2, 2015
Hollywood actor Russell Crowe:
Thanks for everything Cilla. A loving life loved in the living of it. https://t.co/GdpLwAA1IK
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 2, 2015
Blue singer Antony Costa:
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
— Antony Costa (@AntonyCosta) August 2, 2015
Prime minister David Cameron
PM: Cilla Black was a huge talent who made a significant contribution to public life in Britain. My thoughts are with her family.
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) August 2, 2015
Business secretary Sajid Javid:
Very saddened to hear that Cilla Black has died. Brought great joy to my childhood. Thoughts with family & friends pic.twitter.com/BshqtQIi27
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) August 2, 2015
Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman:
An icon of her era. Her unique voice will live on. RIP Cilla Black. Thoughts with her family & friends.
— Harriet Harman (@HarrietHarman) August 2, 2015
Labour MP and shadow culture secretary Chris Bryant:
Truly sad to hear that Cilla Black has died. Whenever I met her she was very generous and entertaining with a wicked smile.
— Chris Bryant MP (@RhonddaBryant) August 2, 2015
TV presenter Gabby Logan:
Cilla Black was the complete entertainer/host in an era when everyone watched TV. She was a trail blazer. RIP Cilla.
— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) August 2, 2015
First minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon:
My earliest memory of having a tantrum was over Cilla. I wanted her album. My mum and dad said no - my grandad said yes. I was 4. #ripcilla
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 2, 2015
TV presenter-turned House of Lords peer, Baroness Floella Benjamin
So sad to hear amazing Cilla Black has died.She appeared on Playschool when her kids were little & was just brilliant at telling stories too
— Floella Benjamin (@FloellaBenjamin) August 2, 2015
TV presenter and former TOWIE star Mark Wright:
Rip Cilla Black !! Shocking news !! Amazing women. Loved her shows growing up too !! Xx
— Mark Wright (@MarkWright_) August 2, 2015
Benidorm writer Derren Litten:
Terribly sad news to hear of the passing of Cilla Black. It was a real honour to have such an icon in our show. RIP. pic.twitter.com/PP1ilMJo8O
— Derren Litten (@DerrenLitten) August 2, 2015
Singer Gareth Gates:
So sad to hear Cilla Black has died. She was certainly the First Lady of Showbiz. RIP x
— Gareth Gates (@Gareth_Gates) August 2, 2015
Singer and actress Diana Vickers:
I'm so unbelievably sad to hear the news about the legendary Cilla Black. Only the other week I was saying it was one of my dreams to meet
— Diana Vickers (@DianaVickers) August 2, 2015
Her one day. She was such a bundle of joy and one of the nations biggest sweet hearts. So sad. we will miss you Cilla
— Diana Vickers (@DianaVickers) August 2, 2015
TV judge and presenter Arlene Phillips:
Such happy memories of the wonderful time we had in Barbados dearest Cilla Black you were sharp and witty and a lorra lorra fun #cillablack
— Arlene Phillips CBE (@arlenephillips) August 2, 2015
Dance choreographer Matthew Bourne:
RIP Cilla Black. What a shock. Felt sure she was soon due for a big comeback. Like losing a member of the family #tragicloss
— Matthew Bourne (@Mattbourne1) August 2, 2015
TV presenter Caroline Flack:
Very sad news about Cilla Black. She was an inspiration to me growing up. x
— caroline flack (@carolineflack1) August 2, 2015
Former Loose Women panellist Carol McGiffin:
Very sad news about Cilla. Feel privileged to have worked with her, she was hilarious and she really knew how to live. She will be missed.
— Carol McGiffin (@McGiff) August 2, 2015
Journalist Piers Morgan:
RIP Cilla Black.
Very very sad news.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 2, 2015
Loved interviewing Cilla for Life Stories.
Great life, great talent, great star.
Now reunited with her Bobby. pic.twitter.com/cZSGhtj4CY
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 2, 2015
She was a star for my entire life, and a trailblazer for so many women in show business. https://t.co/iRp7BlTWMo
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 2, 2015
Singer Paloma Faith:
RIP Cilla - national treasure, singer and host of my favourite childhood TV show "blind date" pic.twitter.com/J174s0Itna
— Paloma Faith (@Palomafaith) August 2, 2015
Cilla Black: A life in pictures
Reporter & Sub-Editor, Digital Spy Susannah is a freelance writer and sub-editor, specialising in the entertainment industry. She graduated in 2014, with a BA in English and American Literature and Creative Writing, and an MA in Creative Producing. She’s been writing for Digital Spy ever since, after first getting involved through work experience, and has written hundreds of stories for the site on a range of topics, from The Sims to Doctor Who. Susannah has also written for Reveal Magazine. Her special interests are soaps (her Mastermind subject would be 2000s Coronation Street), Marvel and Star Wars. She can also quote far too many lines from Friends and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
