Singing star Kathy Kirby dies after a short illness

Singing star and pin-up Kathy Kirby, who achieved a run of hits in the 1960s, has died at the age of 72.

Her family said she died on Thursday night after a short illness.

The blonde bombshell - whose biggest and best-known hit was Secret Love - also represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965, coming second to Luxembourg.

When her chart days were behind her, she then appeared in a number of TV variety shows. But she went on to withdraw from the public eye.

A statement released on behalf of her family said the singer "died suddenly last night after a short illness".

"She will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends who have stood loyal over the years."

She is understood to have died in London.

Kirbyhad two Top Ten hits and three others in the Top 40, which helped her to land her own TV series.

Born in Ilford, Essex, her career was guided by bandleader Bert Ambrose, who took her on the club circuit before agreeing a deal with Decca Records.

She appeared on the huge US TV programme The Ed Sullivan Show and was courted by Hollywood movie producers.

Speaking in 2009, Kirby claimed she had a fling with Bruce Forsyth which had a profound effect on her relationship with her manager Ambrose, who was also her lover. She said Ambrose was turning down work because he was scared she might leave him.