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Cilla Black funeral: Fans and stars mourn 'Liverpool's Cinderella'

Family, friends and fans gathered to pay their final respects to Cilla Black at her funeral in her home city of Liverpool.

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'Cilla was the most loyal person a friend could have'

Cilla with close friend Dale in 2000. Credit: PA

Dale Winton has spoken out for the first time since Cilla Black's death saying she was the "most loyal person a friend could have".

The TV presenter famously had a long-standing friendship with Cilla and the pair often holidayed together.

He told ITV News he was "too upset to speak" on camera but released this statement saying he was "truly saddened and shocked" Cilla had gone.

Cilla was a dear and close friend. Above all she was the most loyal person a friend could have.

She was wonderful to be around, and caring, kind and happy. She was also a brilliant wife and mother.

As her friend, she would want everyone to know and appreciate how fantastic Bobby was for the 40 years they were together.

They were inseparable 24/7 for all of that time, and together they were like two swans side by side.

She was a true "star" and a genuine national icon. My thoughts and best wishes are with her beloved boys and family.

We shall all miss her deeply, and I personally have lost a true, trusted and loyal friend.

– Dale Winton

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