Cilla Black

“I never liked miming.”

“Having a biopic made is very flattering.”

“I wouldn't mind being a talent show judge if it didn't run for too long.”

“When I was put up in posh hotels, I thought it was wonderful.”

“I helped make the Sixties swing, and I'm very proud of that.”

“I don't want to see a 70-year-old on television.”

“I did smoke a joint once but I did not enjoy it.”

“I humbly apologise for reality Television.”

“I always wanted to be a star.”

“It's true what they say: 'You don't appreciate what you've got until it's gone.' I miss love. I miss being looked after.”

“I loved everything about show business, meeting the stars, the whole ambience. I was living every young kid's dream. I was told a pop singer's life was three years, but I was still making money seven years later.”

“'Blind Date' was my lifeline. It was 90 minutes when I could forget about everything, forget about the world.”

“I've got lots of great friends in show business, and that's all they are. Great friends. I'll never marry again - what's the point? I had the best. I've got friends all over the world, and that's enough for me.”

“I love books and the latest autobiographies. I'm a Gemini and love being with people, but then again, I love my own company, which is when I read most.”

“I'm a Roman Catholic. Or was. I was brought up that way and used to say my prayers every night, but I don't pray to God any more. I might use the usual phrases I picked up from my parents, 'Oh, if God spares me next year...' or 'Please God...' but they're only phrases.”

“My idea of baking is buying a ready-make cake mix and throwing in an egg.”

“I've got a bike in the lounge that I watch Coronation Street on. I never had to watch my weight until I had the children, but with the bike, I'm fine.”

“Anything which interferes with my social life is a no-no.”

“T.V. found me. I was offered jobs. It came in handy when I started having babies. Just one night's work, and then I could go home. I loved 'Surprise Surprise', but it was hard work. 'Blind Date' was a doddle by comparison.”

“I don't want to be a burden on anybody.”