Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are among those to mark the passing of "national treasure" Cilla Black.
Figures from the world of showbusiness and beyond have paid tribute to Cilla Black, who has died in Spain at the age of 72.
Black, whose real name was Priscilla White, appears to have died from natural causes, according to police.
Tributes were led by the two surviving Beatles.
Paul McCartney, who wrote Black's debut single, Love of the Loved, along with John Lennon, said: "Such a shock to hear about Cilla's passing.
Paul McCartney rehearses with Cilla Black in 1968
"She was a lovely girl who infected everyone with her great spirit.
"From first meeting her as a cloakroom girl at the Cavern in Liverpool, to seeing her many times since, she always had a fun loving dignity that made her a great pleasure to be around.
"She had a fine distinctive voice and was always a bit of a laugh. It was a privilege to know and love her."
Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr wrote on Twitter: "I just heard the news Cilla Black has left us. She was a good friend, we will all miss her, peace to Cilla, peace and love to the family, R&B xxx."
Journalist Piers Morgan told Sky News Black was "such a consummate, all-round entertainer".
Morgan, who interviewed Black for his ITV show Life Stories, said: "You use that phrase 'national treasure' quite a lot these days, people do.
"I just think in her case it is absolutely right.
"She's a rare example of that phrase being spot on."
Lord Grade, former executive chairman of ITV, told Sky News Black was "one of the great queens of British showbusiness".
"It's a terrible shock, because there was plenty of life in Cilla left."
He added: "She always felt like a friend in your living room when she was on TV. A magical lady.
"She had a huge, huge talent once she got her confidence. She became a national favourite, an enduring family favourite."
Christopher Biggins, who starred alongside Black in Surprise Surprise, also described her as a "national treasure", adding she will "always be with me".
"It's devastating news, really devastating," he said.
"She was a wonderful friend. She was someone who was a life force, she loved to laugh and loved to enjoy herself.
"She will always be with me. She was a national treasure."
Jimmy Tarbuck, who had been friends with Black for more than 50 years, said she was "Liverpool's Cinderella".
The comedian and game show host told the Liverpool Echo: "She was the total rags-to-riches story.
"She was Liverpool's Cinderella, and she did go to the ball.
"What a career. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful career."
Singer Cliff Richard said he would miss her dearly.
He said: "Some people will always be with us and Cilla is one of those people.
"I will always think of her as outrageous, funny, incredibly gifted but above all full of heart.
"She was a very special person, and I have lost a very wonderful friend, I will miss her dearly. God bless her."
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Cilla Black was a huge talent who made a significant contribution to public life in Britain. My thoughts are with her family."
Actress Dame Joan Collins wrote on Twitter that Black was a "resplendent and rare talent".
TV presenter Gabby Logan described her as a "trailblazer".
She said: "Cilla Black was the complete entertainer/host in an era when everyone watched TV. She was a trailblazer. RIP Cilla."
Paul O'Grady struggled to believe the news when he was told by the Liverpool Echo.
"Please tell me this isn't true? We've been friends for nearly 20 years. She's like my sister," he told the newspaper.
"Apart from her hearing she was all right.
"We had a week together in Barbados at the beginning of the year and I saw her on my birthday.
"I thought she was well. I can't believe it, to tell you the truth."
Carol Vorderman said she was "deeply shocked" to hear the news about Black, who she called a "one-off".
She tweeted: "I hope you are now at peace lovely lady. Thank you for the lunches and the laughs x."
Family Fortunes presenter and Coronation Street actor Les Dennis said he felt like "the nation has lost a family member".
He tweeted: "Just heard one of THE brightest stars in the show biz firmament, Our Cilla, has faded. The sky is far less bright without you Tara Chuck x.
"All our love goes to her family so shocked and saddened for you xx."
Surprise, Surprise presenter Holly Willoughby tweeted a picture of her and Black on the show, writing: "This photo is even more special to me now..."
Before that she posted: "So so sad to hear the news that we have lost one of my heroes, Cilla you were one incredible lady! Sending all my love to her family. X."
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