Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Cilla Black.

Cilla Black

Cilla Black

The Beatles star has paid his respects to the legendary singer and television presenter, who tragically passed away at the age of 72 at her home in Estepona, Spain.

In a statement, he 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."

And fellow 'Hey Jude' hitmaker Ringo Starr took to the micro blogging site Twitter to offer his and his wife Barbara Bach's condolences.

He wrote: "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"

The tragic news of Cilla's death was confirmed by a Spanish police spokesperson earlier today (02.08.15), who said: "I can confirm the death of British national Priscilla White, aged 72."

"We are still awaiting autopsy results but everything at this stage is pointing towards her death being the result of natural causes."