Sheridan Smith gives a warts and all depiction of Cilla Black.
Cilla Black is best remembered here as a 60s pop star turned 70s television face.
In Britain she's remained a national institution and was once Britain's highest paid female telly star for her hosting roles on the likes of Blind Date and Surprise. The three part series Cilla takes us
back to her days when she an office typist, aspiring singer and was a mate of the Beatles.
Like them, she was discovered by manager Brian Epstein and like the band produced by George Martin becoming a star with hits like Anyone Who Had a Heart, and the theme song to the Swinging Sixties movie Alfie.
Black, who was born Priscilla White, is played by Sheridan Smith and the series is scripted by Philomena writer Jeff Pope who says the real Black gave the series her approval. "She was brave enough to give her blessing to a warts and all picture, which doesn't flinch from some of the darker episodes in her life."
Smith won good reviews for her acting - and singing - in the role when Cilla screened in Britain last year.
