Paul O'Grady has reacted to the sad death of his very close friend Cilla Black, describing the much-loved entertainer as "like [his] sister".
O'Grady told the Liverpool Echo that he couldn't believe the devastating news, and that he thought that Black was in good health.
He said: "Please tell me this isn't true? We've been friends for nearly 20 years. She's like my sister.
"Apart from her hearing, she was alright. We had a week together in Barbados at the beginning of the year and I saw her on my birthday. I thought she was well. I can't believe it to tell you the truth."
The television presenter revealed that he used to joke that the Surprise Surprise host would outlive him.
"I kept telling her she'd outlive us all. She's such a strong lady," O'Grady said. "It was difficult because she couldn't hear, so it became texting, but then we'd manage to get her."
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It was confirmed earlier today that Black had died at her Spanish home at the age of 72. It is thought the star died of natural causes.
Celebrities such as Joan Collins and Holly Willoughby have led the tributes to the television and music icon, with the current Surprise Surprise host describing Black as "one of my heroes" and an "incredible lady".
Cilla Black: A showbiz icon's life in pictures:
