Cliff Richard sex abuse claims are lies: Cilla Black breaks silence to defend life-long friend
Cilla Black has come out in defence of her close friend Sir Cliff Richard – insisting she is certain sex allegation claims against him are “without foundation”.
The 73-year old singer is accused of sexually assaulting a boy under 16 at a rally by US Evengelist Billy Graham at Bramall Lane in Sheffield in 1985.
In a statement, Cliff's close friend Cilla told the Mirror: "Cliff is a very close friend of mine and has been for a million years.
“I, like everyone else, was shocked to hear of these allegations and I am absolutely positive that they are without foundation."
Cliff, currently in Portugal, denies any wrongdoing. He has been visited at his home by lawyers in the last few days.
Her statement comes as Sir Cliff Richard is expected to fly home from Portugal within days to face allegations that he abused a schoolboy in the 1980s.
Officers, according to reports, have made contact with the singer’s lawyers to confirm that they want to speak with the 73-year-old .
It also emerged that more people have come forward following the raid on Thursday on Sir Cliff’s penthouse in Sunningdale, Berkshire.
Cliff Richard performing backstage after the Billy Graham show at Bramall Lane in 1985
South Yorkshire Police said: “Since the search took place, a number of people have contacted the police to provide information and we must acknowledge that the media played a part in that, for which we are grateful.”
Police would not comment on the nature of the fresh information – but they did confirm they are seeking to speak with the star over allegations he sexually assaulted a boy under 16 at a religious concert in 1985.
Sir Cliff had known about the accusations for “many months” before officers from South Yorkshire and Thames Valley forces spent five hours searching his UK home .
He is at his sprawling Portuguese villa for the summer.
A blue Renault Scenic car, believed to be carrying Sir Cliff, was spotted driving into the hilltop property in the village of Guia just after lunchtime.
He is thought to be holidaying with his sister, Joan Pilgrim, who also lives on the Algarve.
A British neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “Cliff is a well-liked man around here and no one would ever have a bad word to say about him.”
On Thursday, Sir Cliff issued a defiant statement labelling as “completely false” the accusation of sexual abuse, which was said to have taken place at a Christian rally fronted by preacher Billy Graham.
He also criticised officers for tipping off the BBC ahead of the raid on his £3million apartment.
South Yorkshire Police denied last night being the original source of the BBC’s story.
But they admitted: “When a media outlet contacted SYP with information about an investigation, we took the decision to work with them in order to protect the integrity of that investigation.”
Friends and fans of the devout Christian defended him yesterday, with one pal calling the entertainer “one of the nicest people in showbiz”.
And broadcaster Gloria Hunniford, 74, said: “I’ve never seen Cliff put a foot or a word wrong in his life, never.
"He is a gorgeous man.”
Kiss FM Portugal DJ Owen Gee, who has been pals with Sir Cliff since the early 1960s, said: “We all think this is a crying shame.
“He doesn’t deserve this but it has happened to so many.
Cliff Richard sex abuse claims are lies: Cilla Black breaks silence to defend life-long friend
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