Stars pay tribute to Cilla

Joan Collins has led tributes to Cilla Black, who has

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Collins expressed her sadness on Twitter: “I am so sad and shocked by news about my good friend Cilla. She was a resplendent and rare talent. RIP.”

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

Singer Cliff Richard said he will miss his "outrageous'' friend dearly.

“Some people will always be with us and Cilla is one of those people,” he said.

“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.”

Piers Morgan, who interviewed Black on his ITV show, Life Stories, wrote: “RIP Cilla Black. Very very sad news.”

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

British Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Cilla Black was a huge talent who made a significant contribution to public life in Britain. My thoughts are with her family."

Bruce Forsyth said he could not believe that Black had died aged 72 as he still thought of her as a "kid".

The TV presenter and entertainer said that Black was loved by everyone and had the “common touch”.

Bruce, 87, told ITV News: “Bobby 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.”

X Factor judge and singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini said: ``So sad to learn of the passing of Cilla Black. A true national treasure who holds some of my favourite childhood memories. #RIPCilla.''

TV personality Carol Vorderman said she was “deeply shocked” to learn of Black’s death.

“I hope you are now at peace lovely lady. Thank you for the lunches and the laughs x,” she tweeted.

Surprise, Surprise presenter Holly Willoughby posted a photo of her and Black together on the show, writing: “This photo is even more special to me now....”

Before that she wrote a touching message saying: “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.”

Gabby Logan called her the “complete entertainer/host in an era when everyone watched TV. She was a trail blazer. RIP Cilla.”

Fellow TV presenter and friend Paul O'Grady struggled to believe the news.

“Please tell me this isn’t true? We’ve been friends for nearly 20 years. She’s like my sister,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“Apart from her hearing she was all right. 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.”

Black's Surprise! Surprise! co-star Christopher Biggins also gave an emotional tribute to his friend, describing her as a ``national treasure''.

“It’s devastating news, really devastating,” he said.

“She was a wonderful friend. She was someone who was a life force, she loved to laugh and loved to enjoy herself.

“I remember when I was asked if I would like to do a TV series starring alongside her called Surprise Surprise and I couldn’t believe it, I was in shock. And I am in shock now that she has died.

“She will always be with me. She was a national treasure.

He added that he last spoke with Black around two weeks ago before her trip to Spain and the pair had arranged to meet up in September.

“I know one of her sons was with her in Spain and that’s marvellous. She loved her boys, they were her life.”

Family Fortunes presenter and Coronation Street star Les Dennis said in a series of tweets he felt like "the nation has lost a family member''.

“Just heard one of THE brightest stars in the show biz firmament, Our Cilla, has faded. The sky is far less bright without you Tara Chuck x,” he wrote.

“All our love goes to her family so shocked and saddened for you xx.”

Singer Conor Maynard said he felt like Black had “played a big part in my childhood”. He said she was “such a great entertainer”.