Christmas TV specials are always a big deal, and this year ITV is planning a tribute to Cilla Black.
According to the Daily Mirror, a film about the music and TV legend is in the pipeline and is set to screen over the festive period.
Paul O’Grady and Cilla Black (Yui Mok/PA)
They report the programme will pay tribute to the Blind Date and Surprise Surprise host, and will feature unseen and archive footage, as well as interviews from close friends and family members.
Showbiz pals like Christopher Biggins, Sir Cliff Richards and Paul O’Grady have been mentioned as participating in the show.
The Mirror also reported that her sons – Robert, Jack and Ben – have given their permission for the programme.
Cilla Black with Sir Cliff Richard (John Walton/PA)
The newspaper quotes a 'TV insider' as saying: “Cilla’s death was one of the biggest showbiz events of 2015 and this new programme will honour her career in the best way possible.
“ITV expect millions to tune in – and it is likely to be a real tear-jerker for her fans.”
Cilla died in August this year after falling at her house in Spain.
