Cilla Black

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

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

In the Sixties, you needed talent to make it.

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

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

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

It's no fun getting older. I might be wearing beautiful diamond earrings, but they can't take away the pain of losing my hearing.

I'm a 'never say never' girl. Frank Sinatra retired four times. He kept coming back. But there are people in our business who want to die on stage. Literally. I don't want to do that.

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.

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

I always believed I would be a star.

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

After Fergie and Prince Andrew honeymooned at Le Touessrok in Mauritius, Bobby, my late husband, and I were first to stay in their suite. We enjoyed the benefits - all the spoils and the special luxuries. We practically had our own private beach, and it was most romantic.

Really, I'm trying to retire. It's just nobody will let me!

I never liked miming.

Turning 70 was a real shock. I thought, 'I'm on the last lap now.'

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.

I can't say I'm surprised I was successful. I was determined - and I got it.

I was so ordinary, critics couldn't understand it, but looking back, that was the reason for my success. What you see is what you get. People thought, 'I could do that.'