Quotes from Cilla Black

On my gravestone, I want 'Here lies the singer,' not 'Here lies the T.V. presenter'.

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

I've had a blessed life. I've pulled back from trying to control my destiny and gone back to accepting whatever fate has in store for me. I live for today because I don't know what'll happen tomorrow.

You couldn't give me any more confidence than when I was on T.V. because I was in control, but I wasn't in control in my private life.

I give 150%. I'm a professional, a pro.

You see on 'Britain's Got Talent' and 'X Factor,' they all wear ear plugs. But I could not hear myself when I wore them. So that is where the strong voice came from.

I humbly apologise for reality Television.

I love cookery programmes.

When people ask me do I believe in feminism - well, I didn't even know I was a feminist. I was the top of the bill; I've always been the top of the bill. So I don't know what equality is.

It's a business, and I'm a product. Terrible, isn't it?

Having a biopic made is very flattering.

It is when I am on stage that I feel most comfortable. It is my home. It is the only thing I have known since I was a kid.

I'm very quiet off stage.

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.

When I go out, it's to have a good time, not to find a man.

I rarely stay in hotels because I have friends all over the world.

I never thought I'd be on T.V. For me as a kid in Liverpool, it was a more realistic option to be a singer.

I tried never to take anything for granted.

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

It's hard to watch your life unfold, and sad. Life changes.

But reality television is here to stay.

Its rock n' roll that has done my hearing in.

I would have loved to have cracked America. When I tried, I got homesick. Then, when I was in New York, my nanna died, and I just wanted to come home.

I like being in charge of the remote control.