Cilla Black inquest due to take place today
The inquest into the legendary star’s death is expected to take place in her home city of Liverpool today.
The hearing was postponed at an hour’s notice yesterday after officials at Liverpool’s coroner’s court realised the star’s body was not yet in the city – which the law states it must be before the hearing takes place.
Black – who emerged from the city’s legendary music scene to find fame in the 1960s before becoming a popular TV host – died after having a suspected stroke at the age of 72.
The entertainer’s funeral will take place on Thursday 20 August at St Mary’s Church in the suburb of Woolton, reports the BBC.
The Right Reverend Thomas Williams and former Parish Priest of St Anthony’s, Scotland Road, will officiate.
After the funeral, her body will be laid to rest at a private ceremony in Allerton Cemetery, where her parents are buried.
Her late husband and manager, Bobby Willis, was cremated in 1999.
The late entertainer’s representative said further details would be released “once all the preparations have been finalised”.
A statement said: “Once again the family have asked for their privacy to be continually respected at this difficult time.”
“One would hope people would want to come and remember her.”
He said the plans were made after a meeting at the church with Cilla’s sons Robert, Ben and Jack.
Reports also suggest that speakers or TVs may be placed outside the church for fans during the service and the route of the hearse may be made public to allow other fans to say goodbye.
Entertainer Paul O’Grady has paid an emotional tribute to his late friend Black last weekend, as he broke down in tears during a radio appearance.
O’Grady, who was a long-time friend of Black, recalled memories of their friendship, as he dedicated the last hour his BBC Radio 2 show to the star.
