Post-mortem reveals Cilla Black died of a stroke

Cilla Black died of a stroke after falling and hitting her head at her Spanish villa.

The singing and TV star was sunbathing at her villa on the Costa del Sol, when she lost her balance, fell, and hit her head which knocked her unconscious.

A post-mortem revealed that she subsequently died of a stroke, a statement from her publicist said.

British presenters Paul O’Grady and Cilla Black (Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)

She would not have suffered, it added.

In a joint statement her three sons Robert, Ben and Jack said: “We are devastated by the sad loss of our mother, but have been deeply touched by all the kind messages of support from her friends, fans, the public and media.

“We would like to thank everyone, especially the people of Liverpool. The tributes and condolences have really helped us through these difficult times.

Cilla Black and her manager and husband Bobby Willis and 10 day old baby Robert John Willis (PA)

“The Spanish authorities have now told us we are able to bring Mum home, which we hope to do as quickly as possible.

“We would also like to thank all those involved for their assistance with this matter. We respectfully request for our continued privacy to grieve.”

PA Media is the national news agency for the UK and Ireland. With unrivalled access to the performers, productions and celebrities on both sides of the Atlantic, PA Media stories provide an irresistible glimpse into showbiz news. Bringing you all of entertainment's big moments. From daily soaps to film productions, we cover the shows that audiences want to know about with our previews, news and interviews.