A funeral service for the singer-turned-TV star, who died aged 72 on 1 August (15), will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church in Woolton on 20 August (15), before Black is buried alongside her mother and father in the city's Allerton Cemetery.

The church is the same location where Black married her husband Bobby Simpson in 1969, and the funeral service will be conducted by the Right Reverend Thomas Williams, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool.

Black was a beloved figure among her showbiz colleagues and her close pals included Beatles legend Ringo Starr and veteran singer Sir Cliff Richard.

The city of Liverpool is expected to come to a standstill to remember one of its most famous daughters, and organisers are predicted to place speakers and TVs outside the church so thousands of well-wishers can watch the service.

Black's spokesman Nick Fiveash says, "It is a Catholic church so it will be a proper mass and service. One would hope people would want to come out and remember her. We will encourage people to do that."