Facts about national treasure Cilla Black: her husband, children, net worth and more

Publish date: 2024-08-28

Cilla Black: The Lost Tapes will show an intimate look into the singer's life

As one of the country's best-loved entertainers of the 20th century, Cilla Black was frequently seen on television screens and in the media from her early music career up until her death in 2015. However, for the first time, home video and audio footage provided by her family is being televised in Cilla: The Lost Tapes. The documentary will show an intimate look into the singer's life behind the fame and fortune that arose from her singing career in the 60s and as a TV favourite.

WATCH: Cilla Black's son discusses The Lost Tapes

The show includes appearances from Cilla's successor Holly Willoughby, and close friends and fellow entertainment industry heavyweights such as Paul O'Grady and Sir Cliff Richard as they comment on the footage and life of the singer. Before the programme airs, here's all you need to know about the music and TV star.

Cilla Black's bio and early career

Cilla was born Priscilla White on 27 May 1943. Growing up in the rock and roll era of music in 60s Liverpool, it's unsurprising that she was in close connection and working with The Beatles. John Lennon even introduced Cilla to Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who signed her in the early 60s and then subsequently introduced her to 'fifth member of the Beatles' George Martin. Cilla then released her first single three weeks later. Her second single, a Dionne Warwick cover, rose to number one in 1964 and spent three weeks at the top of the charts.

MORE: 7 standout moments you have to see from the BRITs

Cilla's close friend Paul O'Grady appears in the documentary

Following her early success in music, Cilla's career went from strength and strength. In the late 60s and 70s, the star fronted her own BBC show Cilla, and she was even considered to take over from Bruce Forsyth on , but she declined to focus on her music career. By the mid-80s, Cilla was doing more TV presenting, including , which ran until 2003 and , perhaps her most well-known show, which ran until 2001.

Cilla Black's later career and net worth

Cilla continued to work in music and television throughout the 90s and 2000s, appearing on shows such as , and . To celebrate 50 years in showbiz, ITV aired a one-off entertainment special in 2013. The show was called and was hosted by fellow TV presenter and close friend, Paul O'Grady, and featured special performances and tributes to the star. In 2014, Cilla was given the Special Award at the British Academy Television Awards.

MORE: Is this major Doctor Who character leaving the show?

Cilla Black had an incredibly successful career

After an incredible career in music, television and more, it's no wonder that Cilla's net worth reflects her success. According to Celebrity Net Worth, it was revealed after her death that Cilla was worth circa £15 million ($20 million), and had an estate approximately worth £4 million ($5 million).

Cilla Black's husband and children

Cilla was married to her manager, Bobby Willis, from 1969 until his death in 1999. Together they had three sons, Robert, Ben and Jack. They also had a daughter, called Ellen, who was born prematurely and after lung complications, sadly passed away just two hours old. After Bobby's death in 1999, she described him as 'the love of her life' and the singer never remarried.

Cilla with her late husband and manager Bobby Willis

Cilla Black's death

In August 2015, it was reported that Cilla had passed away at her holiday home in Spain. An autopsy subsequently revealed that she had died from a stroke after suffering a fall at home. After her death, many of those in the showbiz and entertainment industry including Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard and Paul O'Grady expressed their sadness. The day after her funeral, Cilla's compilation album of her most popular tracks went straight to number one in the charts.

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbHLpaammZeWx6q6xGeaqKVfm7atuY5rZ2toYGd%2BeoSUaWtqZ5Oeua2tjK2fnmWcpMC1edOap56rXZuupMDSZpibp6WpeqS1y6WYZpqclrCsecWapKKkqWK7psCMsKarrJhk