Cilla Black's near marriage to Ringo Starr from 'desperate' plan to true love

Late TV presenter Cilla Black was one of Britain’s most iconic stars who had a career that spanned over the course of fifty years.

Remembered for her lovable on screen presence and impressive vocals, the amazing performer certainly lived an incredible life on and off screen and quickly became known as the nation’s sweetheart.

Born in Liverpool in 1943, Priscilla Maria Veronica White OBE made several celebrity connections throughout the course of her career as she became highly recognised for her impressive talent as a singer, television presenter, actress, and author.

But one of her most highly speculated connections was with The Beetles’ drummer Ringo Starr who she once recalled as someone who tried to marry her.

Daily Star have taken a look at the pair’s close relationship and what exactly happened between the two.

How Cilla Black met Ringo Starr

Before presenting popular TV shows like Blind Date during the 90s and 00s, Cilla had a chart topping career during the 1960s.

Cilla made a name for herself in the Liverpudlian music circuit and frequently performed alongside The Beatles in the legendary Cavern Club venue.

During that period of time the young star became very close with the iconic band but she made a particular connection with the band’s drummer, Ringo Starr.

The two hit it off instantly and the singer previously described Ringo as her “best friend”.

Romantic connection

In the ITV documentary Cilla: The Lost Tapes which aired in 2020, red-head Cilla recalled her connection with The Beetles rocker.

She also appeared to squash any romantic rumours between her and Ringo that cropped up in the doc.

Despite this, Cilla did admit that they did share a connection with each other but felt Ringo may have had an urgency to make things official has he received pressure from his band mates, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison who all had girlfriends at the time.

“I guess he was desperate” she confessed.

Marriage proposal

Later on in the documentary, Cilla admitted that Ringo did ask to marry her, however, she didn’t believe he was being genuine with his request.

The star said: “He was like a best friend, even though he did ask me to marry him.”

According to reports by Daily Mail Cilla added: “He was desperate because the other Beatles had girlfriends

“So, I called his bluff and said if he posted the rings in 48 hours, I’d do it.”

Cilla wasn’t worried about Ringo’s proposal plans though as she had a feeling he wasn’t being entirely serious.

And Cilla’s hesitations were absolutely right, as Ringo never sent Cilla the rings.

Married life later on

Though Ringo never went down on one knee for Cilla, he did end up marrying someone else a few years later.

In 1965 Ringo married his first wife Maureen Tigrett and the couple later had three children together.

However the pair’s marriage didn’t last and they divorced ten years later in 1975.

Ringo remarried 1981 to Barbara Bach.

Cilla herself also got married in 1969 to her manager Bobby Willis. But in the TV documentary she admitted that it wasn’t exactly love at first sight.

Cilla explained: “It certainly wasn’t love at first sight. I actually fancied the opposite.

“He was funny, incredibly funny and he was incredibly good looking.”

Cilla and Bobby shared three sons together named Ben, Robert and Jack Willis.

However in 1999 Bobby tragically passed away after suffering from lung and liver cancer, aged 57.

The legendary Cilla Black died in 2015, at the age of 72, after she suffered a stroke caused by an unexpected fall.

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk