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Stars gather for Richard funeral Stars gather for Richard funeral
(20 minutes later)
Friends, family and EastEnders cast members are gathering in London to attend the funeral of the late actress Wendy Richard, who died aged 65. Friends, family and EastEnders cast members have gathered in London to attend the funeral of the late actress Wendy Richard, who died aged 65.
Actors Todd Carty, Ian Lavender and Trevor Bannister are due to lead tributes at the service for the star, who was best known as Pauline Fowler. Actors Todd Carty, Ian Lavender and Trevor Bannister were due to lead tributes at the service for the star, who was best known as Pauline Fowler.
Fans of the actress lined the streets outside St Marylebone Parish Church.Fans of the actress lined the streets outside St Marylebone Parish Church.
An EastEnders spokeswoman said filming was "severely" reduced as more than 100 cast members are at the service.An EastEnders spokeswoman said filming was "severely" reduced as more than 100 cast members are at the service.
"It goes without saying that we've reworked filming schedules so that any cast or crew wanting to pay their respects to Wendy Richard can of course attend her funeral."It goes without saying that we've reworked filming schedules so that any cast or crew wanting to pay their respects to Wendy Richard can of course attend her funeral.
"A large number of those who worked with Wendy will be attending, so a minimal amount of filming will continue at Elstree.""A large number of those who worked with Wendy will be attending, so a minimal amount of filming will continue at Elstree."
On arrival, mourners were given an order of service, which included Richard's favourite chilli con carne recipe.On arrival, mourners were given an order of service, which included Richard's favourite chilli con carne recipe.
Ex-EastEnders star Toddy Carty (front right) helped carry the casketEx-EastEnders star Toddy Carty (front right) helped carry the casket
In The Mood by Glenn Miller and the 1960s hit Spirit In The Sky were among the songs due to be played to the congregation this afternoon. In The Mood by Glenn Miller and the 1960s hit Spirit In The Sky were among the songs to be played to the congregation this afternoon.
The Reverend Canon Christopher Gower said the service would be marked by readings from Carty, who played her on-screen son Mark in EastEnders.The Reverend Canon Christopher Gower said the service would be marked by readings from Carty, who played her on-screen son Mark in EastEnders.
He was close to tears as he arrived for the service shortly after Barbara Windsor walked in flanked by co-stars Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) and Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson).
Lavender, who played Derek Harkinson in the BBC One soap and Bannister, who starred opposite her in Are You Being Served? will also pay tribute to her.Lavender, who played Derek Harkinson in the BBC One soap and Bannister, who starred opposite her in Are You Being Served? will also pay tribute to her.
Other EastEnders stars attending include Lacey Turner, Barbara Windsor, John Altman and Adam Woodyatt. Other EastEnders stars attending include Lacey Turner, John Altman and Adam Woodyatt.
Letitia Dean, who played Sharon Watts in the show, told reporters: "Wendy is going to love this."
Many left flowers outside, one bunch included a card from Queen guitarist Brian May, which read: "Rest in peace, dear Wendy."
Richard died last month at the Harley Street Clinic in London after a lengthy battle with cancer, with her husband, John Burns, by her side.Richard died last month at the Harley Street Clinic in London after a lengthy battle with cancer, with her husband, John Burns, by her side.