Cilla Black died on this day in 2015 and celebrity tributes immediately poured in. The star had an address book that would make anyone jealous as she counted the great and good of the UK entertainment industry amongst her close circle of friends.

The singer turned TV presenter knew The Beatles since she was a teenager. They both played the Cavern Club int their native Liverpoool and even shared a manager in Brian Epstein after John Lennon introduced them. Her list of well known mates only grew from there.

Throughout the years she was frequently photographed with the likes of Sir Cliff Richard, Paul O’Grady and Christopher Biggins. While many celebrity freindships may appear disingenuous there was nothing fake about Cilla’s.

She and her friends were frequently together when there were no cameras about either hanging out at their respective homes, at events or enjoying a holiday. Her funeral on August 20 2015 was a star studded affair and everyone in attendance had a genuine connection to Cilla. Stars such as Tom Jones, Lorraine Chase and Jo Wood turned out, Cliff Richard sang and Paul O’Grady moved people to tears as he remembered the star.

Here is just a reminder of some of the showbiz pals Cilla considered among her BFFs.