Cilla Black dies

The much loved singer and TV star Cilla Black has died aged 72, police in Spain have confirmed.

She died at her Spanish home in Marbella during the night.

Cilla enjoyed a 50-year showbusiness career from her 1960s singing beginings to becaming a popular TV celebrity on such shows as Blind Date and Surprise Surprise reports the BBC.

Born Priscilla White in Liverpool, she changed her name to launch a singing career with hits such as Anyone Who Had a Heart and You're My World.

A BAFTA winner she was also a regular at the Cavern Club singing with The Beatles.

She made her TV debut in 1968 with her own BBC One primetime series and went on to host a number of shows for ITV.

News agency Reuters said police in Malaga said Priscilla White had died in Estapona in the Costa del Sol region.

The death appeared to be due to natural causes, but this had not yet been confirmed by tests, police told the news agency.

More news as we have it.

Joan Collins tweeted about her friend below.

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