Introduction
Cilla Black, beloved television host and music icon, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 72 in 2015 after suffering a stroke caused by a fall at her holiday home in Spain. Best known for her role as the host of Blind Date, Cilla had been enjoying time at her villa when the tragic accident occurred.
Her eldest son, Robert Willis, discovered her body at the family’s Spanish residence. In a deeply personal interview, Robert reflected on his mother’s final years and revealed the private fears she carried with her. Despite her glamorous public image, Cilla had long worried about growing old and losing her independence.
“Her greatest fear was becoming a shadow of herself, like her own mother who battled osteoporosis,” Robert shared in an interview with the Mail on Sunday. “As heartbreaking as her passing was, I believe she would have chosen to go at that moment. For her, life was about living with dignity and being able to do the things she loved.”
Cilla Faced Silent Health Battles
While her fans adored her lively spirit, few knew that Cilla was facing serious health issues behind the scenes. She had begun to lose her hearing and was suffering from arthritis in her hands—conditions that made it difficult for her to perform or even enjoy everyday activities.
One of the hardest things for her, Robert revealed, was no longer being able to wear high heels—something she had always associated with confidence and elegance. “In her heart and mind, she felt so young,” he said. “That made the physical limitations even more frustrating.”
Farewell, But Not Alone
Another close friend, Terry McCann—who had known Cilla since childhood—shared that her passing didn’t entirely come as a shock. In his words, it felt like she was finally ready to reunite with her late husband, Bobby Willis, who passed away in 1999.
“The last time we spoke, she told me she was going blind,” Terry said in an interview with BBC News. “She showed me her hands, which were twisted from arthritis. I could see she was in pain.”
Though her death came suddenly, there is comfort in knowing that Cilla left this world on her own terms—surrounded by memories, family, and the deep love of those who knew her best.