Sir Cliff Richard paid an emotional tribute to Cilla Black at the legendary entertainer’s funeral on Thursday (20 August).
The singer honoured his close friend with a touching eulogy, which saw him recall some fond memories of their times together.
Cliff paid tribute to Cilla during the service
When the service began at the St Mary’s Church in Woolton, Sir Cliff was first to stand at the pulpit.
“I’m not sure what to say because I cannot think of Cilla in the past tense, it just seems outrageous. There are certain people who you think will always be there, and I think she was one of them,” he began by saying.
“It’s important to remember what was fabulous about her - even the drive over here was such an experience, because you forget how much people loved her. It wasn’t just that she was a fantastic pop singer, but she took the whole country by storm by becoming one of our best ever TV presenters, maybe the best ever.”
Cliff and Cilla were friends for many years
Cliff also brought laughter to the church as recalled her ribbing him about growing older.
“I remember her talking about age once," he explained "And I said, ‘But Cilla, I’m three years younger than you’, and she looked at me and said, ‘I know, chuck, and it’ll always be that way’.”
Cliff seen arriving at the church in Cilla's hometown of Liverpool
He continued: “My memories of Cilla are going to be very very happy ones. I have a faith and I don’t think anything happens by accident. The miracle we are as human beings just couldnt be an accident.
“I know that all of our souls will be reunited, and Cilla... this is just a hiccup in our relationship. I know we’re going to be reunited again.”
Cilla Black's Funeral
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Sir Tom Jones arrives for the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's RC Church in Woolton on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960Âs and went on to be one of TVÂs highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben A. Pruchnie via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Carol Vorderman attends the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's Catholic Church on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Sir Tom Jones arrives for the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's RC Church in Woolton on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960Âs and went on to be one of TVÂs highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images) (credit:Ben A. Pruchnie via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Bob Carolgees attends the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's Catholic Church on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Lorraine Chase attends the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's Catholic Church on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Carol Vorderman attends the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's Catholic Church on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Well wishers gather around a funeral car with a floral tribute spelling 'Cilla' in red roses before the hearse leaves funeral director's B. Jenkins & Sons on Church Road North in Woolton on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960Âs and went on to be one of TVÂs highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: A well wisher places a flower on the funeral car carrying Cilla Black's hearse before it leaves funeral director's B. Jenkins & Sons on Church Road North in Woolton on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960Âs and went on to be one of TVÂs highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: The funeral cortege of Cilla Black leaves B Jenkins and Son on Church Road North as it makes its way to St Mary's RC Church in Woolton on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960?s and went on to be one of TV?s highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: The funeral cortege of Cilla Black leaves B Jenkins and Son on Church Road North as it makes its way to St Mary's RC Church in Woolton on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960Âs and went on to be one of TVÂs highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Cilla Black's hearse leaves B Jenkins and Son on Church Road North as it makes its way to St Mary's RC Church in Woolton on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960Âs and went on to be one of TVÂs highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: A floral tribute for Cilla Black is seen as the hearse leaves B Jenkins and Son on Church Road North as it makes its way to St Mary's RC Church in Woolton on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960Âs and went on to be one of TVÂs highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: A member of the public arrives outside St Mary's Catholic Church on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960's and went on to be one of TV's highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Dave Thompson via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Members of the public arrive outside St Mary's Catholic Church on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960's and went on to be one of TV's highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Dave Thompson via Getty Images)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Mourners attend the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's Catholic Church on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
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Members of the public gather at the church prior to the funeral of British singer and TV personality Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Liverpool, England, Thursday Aug. 20, 2015. Black died in Spain on Saturday Aug. 1. (AP Photo/Clint Hughes) (credit:PA)
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Members of the public gather at the church during the funeral of British singer and TV personality Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Liverpool, England, Thursday Aug. 20, 2015. Black died in Spain on Saturday Aug. 1. (AP Photo/Clint Hughes) (credit:PA)
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Members of the crowd wait for the start of funeral for Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Woolton, Liverpool. (credit:PA)
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Members of the crowd read a copy of the Order of Service ahead of the funeral for Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Woolton, Liverpool. (credit:PA)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Members of the public arrive outside St Mary's Catholic Church on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960's and went on to be one of TV's highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Dave Thompson via Getty Images)
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Floral tributes are left ahead of the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Woolton, Liverpool. (credit:PA)
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Members of the crowd as they wait for the start of funeral for Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Woolton, Liverpool. (credit:PA)
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Members of the crowd as they wait for the start of funeral for Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Woolton, Liverpool. (credit:PA)
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A member of the crowd holds a copy of the Order of Service ahead of the funeral for Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Woolton, Liverpool. (credit:PA)
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A mourner arrives carrying the Order of Service for the funeral of Cilla Black at St Mary's Church in Woolton, Liverpool. (credit:PA)
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Well wishers gather before Cilla Black's hearse leaves funeral director's B. Jenkins & Sons on Church Road North in Woolton on August 20, 2015 in Liverpool, England. Singer and TV host Cilla Black died on the 1st August at her home in Spain after a head injury caused by a fall. She is best known for a number of hits in the 1960Âs and went on to be one of TVÂs highest earning stars with shows including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise regularly being watched by millions of viewers. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Cliff then went on to perform a rousing rendition of his song ‘Faithful One’, his part in the service having been organised by her three sons to fulfil their mum’s wishes.
Other stars in attendance tp pay their respects included Paul O’Grady, Christopher Biggins, Carol Vorderman and Tom Jones.
As well as the famous faces paying their respects, thousands of fans lined the route between Woolton Road as far as Blackwood Avenue to say goodbye to one of Liverpool’s most famous stars.
Cilla died of a stroke after falling over and hitting her head on the terrace of her Spanish villa on 1 August.
READ MORE:
Cilla Black's Life In Pictures
Britain Cilla Black(01 of108)
Liverpool born singer Cilla Black hugs the award that names her as Britain's Best Female Singer in a poll organised by a pop music newspaper, at the Cafe Royal in London, England on Feb. 13, 1970. (AP Photo/Robert Dear) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Princess Diana Cilla Black(02 of108)
The Princess of Wales and Cilla Black pictured at the Ideal Home Exhibition in London, England on March 11, 1992. (AP Photo/Dave Caulkin/Pool) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Award Winners 1970(03 of108)
Showing off their awards after the presentation at the Café Royal are, left to right: Liverpool-born singer Cilla Black, voted Top British Female Singer; Cliff Richard, voted Mr. Valentine, and the Best Dressed Male Star; and Lulu, who was voted Miss Valentine, in London, Feb. 13, 1970. (AP Photo/Bob Dear) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Cilla Black Wed(04 of108)
British pop singer Cilla Black and husband Bobby Willis, her personal manager, after their wedding at Marylebone Registry Office in London, England on Jan. 25, 1969. The couple have known each other for six years. (AP Photo/Leslie Priest) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
London Cilla Black Weds(05 of108)
British pop singer Cilla Black with her personal manager, Bobby Willis, after they were married in Marylebone Registery Office, London, on Jan. 25, 1969. (AP Photo/Staff/Priest) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
London Cilla Black(06 of108)
British pop singer Cilla Balck with her fiance Bobby Willis, in Mayfair, London, on Jan. 4, 1969. (AP Photo) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Cilla Black(07 of108)
British Pop singer Cilla Black holds a Christmas present from beneath her Personality Christmas Tree at an exhibition of similar trees for different entertainment stars at Harrods department store in London, England on Dec. 16, 1968. Cilla designed the tree herself to reflect the record industry. (AP Photo/Robert Rider-Rider) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Cilla Black Cliff Richard(08 of108)
Pop singers Cilla Black and Cliff Richard throw postcards into the air as they take a break from counting votes for Britain's Song For Europe at Kensington House in Shepherd's Bush, London on March 8, 1968. Television viewers were asked to choose the song to represent Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest after Cliff had sung the six possibilities on Cilla's show earlier this week. Cliff will sing the winning song again on Cilla's show before singing it at the Royal Albert Hall on April 6th, when he bids to win the trophy won last year by Sandie Shaw with Puppets on a String. (AP Photo/Worth) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Obit Cilla Black(09 of108)
FILE - In this March 8, 1968 file photo, singer Cilla Black counts votes with singer Cliff Richard for Britain's "Song For Europe", in Shepherd's Bush, London. Spanish police said Sunday that the singer, who had a home in Estepona, southern Spain, died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015. Born Priscilla White, Black worked as a teenager in the cloakroom of Liverpoolâs Cavern Club, where her musical talent was spotted by The Beatles. (AP Photo, File) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Cliff Richard with Cilla Black(10 of108)
Pop singer Cilla Black and singer Cliff Richard throw up votes which they are counting for Britain's "Song For Europe", in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, March 8, 1968. (AP Photo) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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