BY GABRIEL PRINCEWILL
Television star, Cilla Black, has sadly died at the old age of 72 in Spain. Her death is said to be of natural causes, though she is thought to have suffered from athritis for a while before she died. A long time friend of hers Terry Mccann said she ”willed herself” into dying because she saw it knocking on the doors.
Black, whose fame emanated from a successful singing career in the 60’s evolved into a captivating television celebrity following tv shows like Blind date and Surprise surprise which captured the imagination of the British public throughout the many years she hosted both programmes. A breath of fresh air, she had a unique flavor that seasoned her every word. She absolutely personified the essence of her shows in a way that made her ever so endearing to all British hearts privileged enough to have enjoyed her entertaining aura.
BLIND DATE
Blind date was an absolute hit with the British public. Most will remember her invisible friend ‘Graham’ who always gave the audience a ‘quick reminder’ (a summary)of what the 3 individuals contending for a date had said. The destination of most couples were abroad, and the BBC cameras on many occasions would travel to film couples in order to give as accurate as possible a reflection of their time together. The matched couple would thereafter be separately questioned on film about their time together, then asked if they will see each other again.
SURPRISE SURPRISE
Surprise Surprise, on the other hand, featured real life episodes in which the show would surprise individuals by helping them trace and find long lost friends or family members after decades apart, many times; the long lost parties ending up crying for joy. A particular moving show, Cilla Black gave it a touch that could not be replaced, and would customarily conclude each episode with a song ‘surprise surprise, the unexpected hits you between the eyes’, her eyes filled with emotions as she waved ”tara” (goodbye) to her audience.
Lovable Cilla died in Estepono on the Costa del sol. Her agent, Nick Fiveash confirmed her passing with ”deep sorrow”. Prime Minister, David Cameron, paid tribute to her, describing her as a huge talent who made a significant contribution to public life”.
Broadcaster Noel Edmonds told Radio 5 that ”she captured the hearts of the British people because she was our Cilla-there were no airs and graces”. BBC Radio 2 will be commemorating he rlife tonight between 10pm and midnight.
LOVED ENTERTAINER
Peter Fincham, Director of Television, ITV said in a statement to eye of media:
“We all grew up with Cilla Black, she was one of Britain’s best love 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.”
He added ”ITV will be airing an adapted 60” minute version of The One and Only Cilla Black, at 9pm on Tuesday 4th August, this has gone into our schedule.
The acclaimed drama Cilla, starring Sheridan Smith, will also be stripped across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, at 10.40pm.
NATIONAL TREASURE
A national treasure and real gem, Cilla Black will be sorely missed, not just because if her great personality and television success, but because of the abundance of human warmth and natural love she exuded for life and people. For the many years of quality entertainment, eye of media say ‘tara’ to our Cilla. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
