Sir Bruce Forsyth leads tributes to 'lovely lady' Cilla Black

Sir Bruce Forsyth, Sir Cliff Richard and the Prime Minister have led tributes to TV presenter and singer Cilla Black following news of her death on Sunday.

Her publicist confirmed the news after Spanish police reportedly released details of the Blind Date and Surprise Surprise star's death.

Stars from the entertainment industry have paid tribute to the 72 year old following the news.

Sir Bruce, 87, told ITV News he still thought of Cilla as a "kid" and that 72 was "no age to leave us all".

He said: "So many people are going to be so upset, she had such a following, everybody loved her.

"Dear Cilla, I will miss you, I still can't believe it."

Sir Cliff said he will miss his "outrageous" friend dearly.

"Some people will always be with us and Cilla is one of those people," the singer 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."

Paul O’Grady said Cilla was "like a sister" to him, having been friends for nearly 20 years.

The comedian said: "I thought she was well. I can’t believe it to tell you the truth."

David Cameron described Cilla as a "huge talent", saying she "made a significant contribution to public life in Britain".

Beatles star Paul McCartney said it was "a privilege to know and love her", while former band mate Ringo Starr tweeted that she had been a "good friend".

Actress Barbara Windsor told ITV News Cilla was a "great singer and performer", adding: "People will remember her, they won't forget her."

Friend and fellow presenter Christopher Biggins, who starred alongside Cilla Black in Surprise! Surprise!, described the entertainer as a "national treasure".

He said: "She was someone who was a life force, she loved to laugh and loved to enjoy herself."

TV presenter Holly Willoughby, who took over from Black as host of ITV's Surprise Surprise, paid tribute to "an incredible lady" on Twitter.

Actress Joan Collins said she was "sad and shocked by the news", adding that Black was a "resplendent and rare talent".

Sheridan Smith, who recently played Black in a TV series about her rise to fame, said she was "absolutely devastated" by the news.

She said: "She was the most remarkable woman, a true legend.

"She was so kind and helpful to me, it was a privilege to play her.

"My condolences go out to her family and all who loved her. She will be truly missed."

Cilla's publicist Nick Fiveash confirmed her death on Sunday afternoon.

He said: "It is with deep sorrow that I confirm today the passing of singer and TV personality Cilla Black.

"Details of her death will be announced following the coroner's report.

"Her family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time."

Peter Fincham, Director of Television at ITV, said: "We all grew up with Cilla Black, she was one of Britain's best loved entertainers, a hugely talented singer and, among many other things, presenter of ITV's massive hit shows Blind Date and Surprise Surprise.

"Our deepest sympathies go to her family and friends."