Paul O'Grady has insisted Cilla Black is "indestructable" and will outlive us all.

The singer and TV presenter recently told the Daily Mirror she doesn't want to live past 75 - despite that being only four years away.

Now her old friend Paul - who is only 59 but has had ongoing problems with his heart - revealed he gave Cilla a ticking off for being defeatist.

Paul told the Mirror: "I read that and rang her up. I said: 'What's all this?'

"Don't take any notice of her. B****r off. Don't listen to a word she says. She'll see us all out, that one.

"I keep telling her there will be rats, cockroaches and you left after the bomb goes off.

"She's a strong lady, Cilla. Mentally, very strong. You've got to be to have that career."

Cilla had previously said: "Seventy-five is a good age to go, I still think that way. If things are starting to drop off - like the hearing - and I've got twinges in the morning, I do think that... I think it is a bit selfish.

"But secretly I don't want to linger. I don't want to be a burden on anybody. I know 75 is only four years away but I take each day as I find it."