Cilla Black has defended Sir Cliff Richard.
The 60s popstar turned TV presenter has released a statement in support of her friend – whose house was searched in relation to a historical sex offence last week – in which she insists the accusations made against him are false.
The 71 year old wrote: "Cliff is a very close friend of mine and has been for a million years.
"I, like everyone else, was shocked to hear of these allegations and I am absolutely positive that they are without foundation."
Following the search of the 73-year-old star’s property in Berkshire, South East England, items are believed to have been removed by the authorities but no arrests have been made.
A police spokesman said at the time "Police have gained entry to a property in the Sunningdale area of Berkshire. Officers are currently searching the property.
"A search warrant was granted after police received an allegation of a sexual nature dating back to the 1980s involving a boy who was under the age of 16 at the time.
"No one has been arrested and the owner of the property was not present."
Meanwhile, Sir Cliff – who is currently residing at his home in Portugal – is said to be angry at how long police are taking to investigate the child abuse allegations and has strongly denied sexually assaulting the young boy at an event in 1985.
A source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "Sir Cliff and his team want explanations as to why the investigation has gone on for so long and why they burst into his home without warning.
"Sir Cliff feels publicly humiliated by the events of the past few days and is determined that this will not be repeated when he comes back to face the music.
"He wants to retain a sense of dignity in this whole very distressing situation."
Cilla Black defends Cliff Richard
