Cilla Black's funeral will be held in Liverpool.

Cilla Black

Cilla Black

The late showbiz legend - who passed away earlier this month, aged 72, at her holiday villa in Spain - will be laid to rest in her hometown, following a service at the church where she married Bobby Willis in 1969.

The funeral will be conducted by the Right Reverend Thomas Williams, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, at St Mary's Church next Thursday (20.08.15).

It was previously thought the 'Anyone Who Had A Heart' hitmaker's service would be held at St Mary the Virgin Church in Denham, Buckinghamshire, where Bobby's funeral was held.

The star will be laid to rest next to her parents at the nearby Allerton Cemetery.

Meanwhile, Cilla's friends have called for a statue to be erected in her honour.

Close friend Jimmy Tarbuck said: "I would certainly like to see a statue of her in Liverpool. She ranks alongside people like Ken Dodd and The Beatles.

"She was a wonderful ambassador for our city and very proud of Liverpool - and Liverpool was very proud of her."

Whilst Christopher Biggins added: "As the Cinderella of Liverpool it is important her life and career is remembered forever."