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Cilla Black: BAFTA Special Award in 2014

7 May 2014
Special Award: Cilla Black

Cilla Black was honoured with the Special Award at the Television Awards in 2014.

Cilla Black, the television entertainer, actress and singer, was presented with the Special Award at the Arqiva British Academy Television Awards on Sunday 18 May at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.

Watch Cilla accepting her award and speaking backstage following the presentation...


Cilla BlackThe Special Award was given to Black in recognition of an outstanding contribution to television entertainment of over 50 years. Previous recipients include Clare Balding, Simon Cowell, Jon Snow, Murray Walker, Jeremy Paxman and Kate Adie.

Andrew Newman, Chairman of BAFTA’s Television Committee, said: “Cilla Black is a true icon in the television and entertainment industry. From hosting her own show for the BBC in ‘68 to defining ITV entertainment throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, Cilla has been an extremely popular and hugely influential entertainer throughout her long career in television. Last year she celebrated her half-century in show business and we are thrilled that she will receive this year’s Special Award at the Arqiva British Academy Television Awards on Sunday 18 May.”

Cilla Black is a true icon in the television and entertainment industry.


Cilla Black and Paul O'Grady


Having begun her career in the music industry as a successful singer, Cilla Black made her television debut in 1968 with Cilla, welcoming guests from Sir Tom Jones to Sir Cliff Richard, and in doing so became the first woman to hold her own primetime chat show on BBC One. Since then, Black has gone on to present some of the most popular and iconic evening entertainment shows in the UK, including Blind Date and Surprise Surprise, helping her become one of the most watched women in British television history. Regularly drawing audiences of around 18 million, Black has hosted more than 500 television shows and made around 400 guest appearances on others.

Cilla BlackBlind Date was awarded the 'Lew Grade Award For A Significant And Popular Programme' at the British Academy Television Awards in 1995. Find out more on the BAFTA Awards database >

Celebrating 50 years in television in 2013, Black is considered a national treasure by the British public and is one of the few television personalities that can be recalled by their first name alone.

On hearing that she was to be presented with the Special Award, Cilla Black said: "I am thrilled to be honoured with this Award…I am totally delighted. I've been very fortunate to have a long and full career in television and this means the world to me."

I've been very fortunate to have a long and full career in television and this means the world to me.


Cilla Black accepts the Lew Grade Award for Blind Date in 1995

Cilla Black accepts the Lew Grade Award for Blind Date in 1995


Cilla Black brings two contestants together on Blind Date in 1985

Cilla Black brings two contestants together on Blind Date in 1985

Cilla Live in 2014

Cilla Live in 2004, where Cliff Richard, Paul O'Grady and Scott Mills were among the guests