26 November 2023 , 21:00
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Unheard footage of Cilla Black will form part of a BBC special on Christmas Day. Cilla Black at the BBC, hosted by Sir Cliff Richard on Radio 2, will chart the star’s journey from singer to TV legend.
It will feature archive material from Cilla’s early work with the BBC, before she went on to be a huge ITV star years later with Blind Date and Surprise Surprise.
The show coincides with the 60th anniversary of the beginning of Cilla’s career, and features unbroadcast or rare songs and moments from her career. Liverpool-born Cilla died in 2015, aged 72, in Spain.
Her good friend Sir Cliff said: “Too many people that we love pass on, but people like Cilla leave behind something that will remain in our memories forever.
Cilla with Ringo Starr (Redferns)“For me, it was a joy and a pleasure and an honour to have known Cilla personally and be in close touch with her constantly. So Cilla, rest in peace, and remember we are going to be screaming about you forever.”
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Cilla shot to fame in the 1960s with songs such as Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and Step Inside Love. She shared manager Brian Epstein with The Beatles, and often appeared on stage with her fellow Scousers.
It was Epstein who engineered her switch to television with her variety show Cilla, which ran for eight series until 1976. Robert Willis, Cilla’s son, said: “My mother was a trailblazer. I am thrilled we are celebrating her milestone anniversary.
“Many of you will fondly recall my mother’s Saturday night variety show. The documentary reflects on this special time in her life when she made the transition from pop singer to TV star.”
- Cilla Black At The BBC will air on Christmas Day on Radio 2 at 10pm and is available on BBC Sounds from Friday December 8.