Fans, family and fellow stars have turned out to pay their respects to singer and TV presenter Cilla Black at her funeral in Liverpool. Hundreds of people applauded and threw flowers as her funeral cortege made its way to St Mary’s RC Church.
Sir Cliff Richard told mourners the journey to the church had made him realise “how much people loved her”. TV stars Paul O’Grady, Jimmy Tarbuck and Christopher Biggins joined her sons Robert and Ben in giving readings.
Sir Cliff performed the song Faithful One and told the congregation it seemed “outrageous” that she was gone. He said: “The one thing that hit me originally was that she was a woman of commitment and dedication. “She had the determination and above all she had the gift – she was able to do what she set out to do. “My memories of Cilla are going to be very, very happy ones.”
The funeral Mass was celebrated by the Right Reverend Thomas Williams, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool. Two of Black’s sons also delivered readings. Robert Willis described his mother as a “wonderful lady who had touched all our lives and brought joy and laughter” to those she knew.
