Christopher Biggins has promised to give Cilla Black a "good send off" at her funeral today (20.08.15).
The 66-year-old actor and close friend of the late ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ singer – who tragically died on August 1 – said it’s going to be a "tough" day, but hopes it can also be a "joyous" occasion.
Speaking about coming to terms with her death, he said: "You think she’s going to ring and say, ‘Shall we go to the Ivy?’ Or you’re going to turn up somewhere and she’s going to be there. The reality is that she’s not but we’re going to give her a good send off today, a really good send off."
"It’s going to be a tough day I think but also a joyous day, saying goodbye to our dear friend Cilla and I think this is absolutely the right place for her to return to. It’s like Cinderella has returned to Liverpool… If Cilla were here, she’d love it."
The ‘Porridge’ star will give an emotional speech at the service at St. Mary’s Church in Woolton, along with tributes from comedians Paul O’Grady and Jimmy Tarbuck and singer Sir Cliff Richard.
Asked what the ‘Blind Date’ host would’ve thought of the service, he told ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’: "I think she would love it, I think she’s up there with a glass of champagne and [her late husband] Bobby [Willis] having a laugh and looking to see who’s coming, who’s not here, why aren’t they here, and just having a good time.
"It’s just wonderful for the family and for Cilla. It’s fantastic this tribute that Liverpool is paying to her."
Christopher also revealed Cilla and Bobby’s sons Robert, Jack and Ben are doing "amazingly well" following their mother’s shock death.
He told ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’: "We had a little party last night in the hotel and the boys are doing amazingly well, I don’t know how they’re doing it but they are and Robert and Ben are speaking today and it’s extraordinary.
"I think that, you know, they’ve had so much to do, so much to organise, I think given a few days it will really sink in."
Christopher Biggins promises good send off for Cilla Black
