British celebrities bid goodbye to funny man Ronnie Corbett at his funeral

The funeral of comedian Ronnie Corbett took place on 18 April and was attended by numerous celebrities from UK television's golden age. The 85-year-old entertainer passed away on 31 March after he was diagnosed with a form of motor neurone disease.

A service was held at the St John the Evangelist Church near his home in Shirley, Croydon, south London and was attended by Barry Cryer, Sir Michael Parkinson, Jimmy Tarbuck, Rob Brydon and David Walliams among others.

Remembering one of Corbett's most famous sketches known as Four Candles, which was part of The Two Ronnies alongside Ronnie Barker, four candles were burned at the back of the church alter during the service. Sharing a few words about his friend, former chat show host Sir Parkinson said, "What you saw is what you got. He was modest, self-effacing, he was a brilliant comic, very good actor too, very good comedy actor."

Remembering Corbett as a good friend, he said, "And as a guy to be a friend of he was just unbeatable."

Speaking at the service, the Scottish actor's daughter Emma said, "My dad was truly loved. Yes, by the world – and as a family we have felt that with so many kind gestures and flowers and thoughts. But however today is not about Ronnie Corbett the national treasure – it's about Ronnie Corbett the husband, the father, the grandfather and the friend."

She added that narrating his eulogy at the funeral was one of the hardest things she was privileged to do. "He was loved and cherished and it is an enormous honour to be his daughter. His integrity, kindness, style and grace were ever present and never left him, even in death. For someone known for being short, he would stand next to me seven foot tall," she said.

Fellow comedian Tarbuck also spoke about the late Corbett. "He was much loved. Very correct guy, very funny fellow. Disciplinarian – I think that was because he was an officer in the RAF. But he was great company.

"I mean he was a terrific laugh. Dreadful giggler. He used to get me at it when we worked together," he said adding that he was, "Much loved, and should have been knighted."