The city of Liverpool came together in love and remembrance as hundreds of fans, close friends, and fellow stars gathered to honor the life of beloved singer and television icon Cilla Black. Her funeral was held at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, where the streets outside were lined with mourners applauding and tossing flowers as the funeral cortege passed by.
Sir Cliff Richard, a lifelong friend, offered an emotional tribute. As he watched the procession, he reflected, “It struck me just how deeply people loved her.” Cliff also performed a heartfelt rendition of Faithful One during the service, calling it “outrageous” that someone so full of life was no longer with us.
Tributes From Her Closest Circle
Cilla’s legacy was celebrated with moving readings from those who knew her best. Television personalities Paul O’Grady, Jimmy Tarbuck, and Christopher Biggins joined her sons Robert and Ben Willis to share stories, readings, and prayers.
Robert Willis described his mother as “a wonderful lady who brought joy and laughter into the lives of everyone she met.” He remembered her boundless energy, humor, and self-belief, calling her “a trailblazer in music and television” who set a standard that still inspires today.
Ben Willis followed with a heartfelt tribute, saying, “She was always young at heart. That’s part of what made her so loved. She truly lived to entertain and to make people happy.”
Faith, Friendship, and Laughter
Actor Christopher Biggins offered a reading from the Book of Wisdom, while Jimmy Tarbuck led the Prayers of the Faithful. In a touching finale, Paul O’Grady shared both humor and sorrow, saying, “I always believed Cilla was indestructible. We laughed endlessly, got into plenty of trouble—but we had the best time.”
He added, “I loved this lady dearly. She was one of my closest friends, and I absolutely adored her.”
A Farewell Set to Music
During Holy Communion, Cilla’s 1964 hit Anyone Who Had a Heart was played, filling the church with the very voice that had brought her to fame. Her coffin was then carried out to the poignant sound of The Long and Winding Road by her lifelong friends, The Beatles.
In attendance were numerous stars and dignitaries from across her five-decade career, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Carol Vorderman, Sir Tom Jones, and Lorraine Chase. Sir Tom, who had just flown in from a concert in Slovakia, made a special effort to be there, quietly seated in the fifth row while Cliff Richard sat in the second.
A Family’s Goodbye
Though the service was filled with public figures and tributes, it was, at its heart, a family affair. Two of her sons gave moving readings, and her grandchildren walked the aisle to say their final goodbyes to “Gran.”
St Mary’s Church holds special meaning for the family—it was where Cilla and her late husband Bobby Willis had their marriage blessed in 1969 following a civil ceremony earlier that year.
A Life That Touched Millions
Cilla Black was born and raised in Liverpool. She began her music career in the early 1960s performing in local clubs, including the legendary Cavern Club. Her natural charisma and powerful voice quickly propelled her to fame. She later became a household name on television, hosting beloved Saturday night shows like Blind Date and Surprise Surprise from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s.
Fans have been encouraged to honor her memory by donating to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. An official online donation page has been made available for those wishing to contribute in her name.
Laid to Rest, but Not Forgotten
Following the service, Cilla was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Allerton Cemetery, where her parents are also buried. The church bells rang, and Liverpool quietly said goodbye to one of its brightest stars.
Even in death, her voice resonates. Her greatest hits album re-entered the UK Top 40 after her passing and continues to climb the charts. The Official Chart Company anticipates the album will be among the top three by Friday—and it may even reach number one.
Cilla Black’s story is one of laughter, love, and legacy—a star whose light continues to shine through the music, memories, and moments she gave to the world.