Cilla Black to be the subject of new musical?

Late pop star Cilla Black is to be the subject of a new West End musical, according to reports.

Black granted permission to producers for the show prior to her death earlier this month, according to the Sun newspaper.

A representative of the singer confirmed: "Following recent reports in the media this is to confirm that prior to her untimely death Cilla Black had given her blessing to a West End stage production based on her life. Cilla was thrilled and excited at the idea, and was looking forward to its development."

There has already been speculation that three-time WhatsOnStage Award winner Sheridan Smith could be set to star in the project, following her acclaimed performance in ITV's Cilla.

"Her manager, son Robert Willis, had been in continuous talks with a West End producer regarding early stages of planning, but obviously these are now on hold for the time being," the representative added.

Cilla Black, who was 72 when she died, will be buried on Thursday (20 August) in her hometown of Liverpool.