Tributes have poured in for Cilla Black, one of Britain's best-loved television presenters, following her death at the age of 72.

Black's publicist on Sunday confirmed her death in a brief statement, and media reports citing local police said she passed away at her home in Estepona near Marbella in southern Spain.

Warm, kind and full of laughs, the working-class redhead from Liverpool - known nationwide just as "Cilla" - was a fixture on British TV screens for more than 50 years.

Singer Cliff Richard said he would "miss her dearly", adding: "I will always think of her as outrageous, funny, incredibly gifted but above all full of heart.

"She was a very special person, and I have lost a very wonderful friend."

Actress Joan Collins described her as a "resplendent and rare talent", while Hollywood actor Russell Crowe said on Twitter: "Thanks for everything Cilla."

Born Priscilla White, she started out working in the cloakroom at the Cavern club, where The Beatles were first spotted, before taking to the stage herself.

The band championed Black and introduced her to their manager Brian Epstein, who signed her.

Black released her first single in 1963 and the following year had two Number One hits, "You're My World" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart". She went on to release 14 albums.

In 1968 she began hosting her own television talk show, beginning a broadcasting career that saw her present some of Britain's most popular programs over half a century.

These included "Surprise Surprise", a show that involved surprising members of the public with long-lost loved ones or fulfilling long-held dreams.

Another hit was "Blind Date", a match-making show where she would interview each candidate with the catchphrase "What's your name and where do you come from?"

"It is with deep sorrow that I confirm today the passing of singer and TV personality Cilla Black," her publicist Nick Fiveash said in a statement.

"Details of her death will be announced following the coroner's report. Her family have asked for their privacy to be respected at this time."