Macca: She was a lovely girl – she infected everyone with her spirit
SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY, 73:
‘She was a lovely girl who infected everyone with her great spirit. From first meeting her as a cloakroom girl at the Cavern in Liverpool, to seeing her many times since, she always had a fun loving dignity that made her a great pleasure to be around... It was a privilege to know and love her.’
RINGO STARR, 75:
‘I just heard the news Cilla Black has left us she was a good friend we will all miss her.’
SIR BRUCE FORSYTH, 87:
‘Bobby [her late husband] will be there to meet her, she never really got over Bobby her husband leaving when he did. What a lovely performer, what a lovely lady and we’re going to miss you.’ He added that he could not believe that Miss Black had died as he still thought of her as a ‘kid’.
SIR CLIFF RICHARD, 74:
‘Some people will always be with us and Cilla is one of those people. I will always think of her as outrageous, funny, incredibly gifted but above all full of heart. She was a very special person, and I have lost a very wonderful friend, I will miss her dearly. God bless her.’
LIVERPOOL-BORN COMEDIAN JIMMY TARBUCK, 75:
‘She was the total rags-to-riches story. She was Liverpool’s Cinderella and she did go to the ball. What a career. She was the girl next door that everybody loved.’
DAME JOAN COLLINS, 82:
‘I am so sad and shocked by news about my good friend Cilla. She was a resplendent and rare talent. RIP.’
DES O’CONNOR, 83:
‘If ever the words “The One and Only” applied to anyone it was Cilla. She really was unique. As a friend she was always fun to be with, kind, generous, and caring, a very special lady. We will all miss you Cilla more than words can say.’
SINGER CHERYL FERNANDEZVERSINI:
‘A true national treasure who holds some of my favourite childhood memories.’
LORD GRADE, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF ITV:
‘[She was] one of the all-time greats in showbiz. She always felt like a friend in your living room when she was on TV. A magical lady. She had a huge, huge talent once she got her confidence. She became a national favourite, an enduring family favourite.’