Cuban singer Margarita Pracatan, best-known for her appearances on The Clive James Show, has died aged 89. Her daughter Maria Gorshin confirmed the news to Sky News, revealing her mother passed away on Tuesday as a result of heart failure.

“My mum was a powerhouse,” Gorshin told the network. “She had her own life force that was so electrifying. I think anyone who has ever met her feels it, and her loss just feels like a huge hole.

“She was absolutely in love with life and everything about it. She was passionate about music and all things beautiful and exciting. She celebrated every single day of her life.”

Fans took to social media to pay tribute to the flamboyant singer, with one writing: “So sad to hear that #MargaritaPracatan has passed away. The world is a dimmer place without her infectious enthusiasm and love of life.”

Another added: “Very sad to hear about the passing of Margarita Pracatan, a fun-loving singer who loved fame and oozed joy when she appeared on The Clive James Show. You’ll both be singing up on high now.” While a third wrote: “Such a shame, I thought she was in her 60’s, she was fabulous every time I saw her live, a true one-off.”

Meanwhile, another added: “Margarita Pracatan was one of a kind. And this world is all the poorer for her passing.”

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The Cuban singer shot to fame after appearing on The Clive James Show in the 1990s. She also appeared frequently on the BBC Night Network and BBC Radio 2. Pracatan was known for doing hilarious covers of classic hits by Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Speaking about Pracatan, Clive once said of her: “She never let the words or melody get in her way. She is us, without the fear of failure.”

The sad news comes just days after the singer turned 89. Pracatan took to social media to mark her birthday, writing: “Beautiful people, beautiful sunset, beautiful night on my 89th birthday! Let’s do this year with all the power of love.”