The former singer and TV presenter Cilla Black has died aged 72.

The showbiz icon passed away overnight at her home in Marbella, Spain.

Early indications suggest Black, who suffered from hearing problems and arthritis, died of natural causes.

In a statement, her publicist Nick Fiveash said: "It is with deep sorrow that I confirm today the passing of singer and TV personality Cilla Black.

"Details of her death will be announced following the coroner's report. Her family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time."

Cilla Black was born Priscilla Maria Veronica White on May 27 1943.

She was best known for her career as a pop star in the 60s and TV star in the 80s and 90s with 'Surprise Surprise' and 'Blind Date'.

Black began her career as a part-time cloakroom attendant at the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, where the Beatles regularly played.

She quickly impressed the band with her impromptu performances at the club and was introduced Brian Epstein - who went on to sign her as his only female client - by John Lennon.

Her debut single Love of the Loved, which was written for her by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was a modest success.

It was her second single, the Burt Bacharach-Hal David composition Anyone Who Had A Heart, which really helped launch her long and successful career.

In total she released 20 consecutive Top 40 singles, including 11 British Top Ten hits and two consecutive Number One singles, before transforming herself into one of Britain's most iconic TV stars.

Black was awarded an OBE in 1997.

She is survived by three sons. Her husband and manager, Bobby Willis, who she was married to for over 30 years, passed away in the late 1990s.

Cilla Black in 1963. File photo: PA / PA Wire/Press Association Images

Tributes

Paul McCartney said: "Such a shock to hear about Cilla's passing.

"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

— Ringo Starr (@ringostarrmusic) August 2, 2015

Journalist Piers Morgan told Sky News the TV presenter and singer 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 her case it is absolutely right.

"She's a rare example of that phrase being spot on."

British 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."

Author Joan Collins wrote on Twitter that Black, who was born in Liverpool, was a "resplendent and rare talent".

TV presenter Gabby Logan described her as a "trailblazer".

Cilla Black was the complete entertainer/host in an era when everyone watched TV. She was a trail blazer. RIP Cilla.

— Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) August 2, 2015

Carol Vorderman said she was "deeply shocked" to hear the news about Black, who she said was a "one-off".

Cilla was a one off,the funniest woman to lunch with. "Anyone Who Had A Heart?"well,you had the biggest.We'll miss u https://t.co/LxfzUcIOYE

— Carol Vorderman MBE (@carolvorders) August 2, 2015

Singer Cliff Richard said: "Some people will always be with us and Cilla is one of those people.

"She was a very special person, and I have lost a very wonderful friend, I will miss her dearly. God bless her."

Surprise, Surprise presenter Holly Willoughby tweeted a picture of her and Black on the show:

This photo is even more special to me now... pic.twitter.com/nmUcArmJjO

— Holly Willoughby (@hollywills) August 2, 2015

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."

Boyzone singer Ronan Keating said: "Saddened to hear about the passing of Cilla Black. A true showbiz legend."

Actor Russell Crowe also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: 

Thanks for everything Cilla. A loving life loved in the living of it. https://t.co/GdpLwAA1IK

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 2, 2015