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Stars gather for Richard funeral Actors attend Richard's funeral
(30 minutes later)
Friends, family and EastEnders cast members have gathered 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 were 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 led tributes at the service for the star, who was best known for playing 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 were 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 attend her funeral," she said.
"A large number of those who worked with Wendy will be attending, so a minimal amount of filming will continue at Elstree." She was a part of everybody lives in there and she's the sort of person who will always remain part of their lives Ian Lavender
Speaking after the service Lavender, who played Derek Harkinson, told Sky News it had not been a "sombre" occasion.
"She was a part of everybody lives and she's the sort of person who will always remain part of their lives," he said.
"She's not going to go away because the hearse has gone away."
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 to be played to the congregation this afternoon. In The Mood by Glenn Miller and 1960s hit Spirit In The Sky were among the songs that were played to the congregation.
The Reverend Canon Christopher Gower said the service would be marked by readings from Carty, who played her on-screen son Mark in EastEnders. Carty, who also helped carry Richard's casket into the church, was close to tears as he arrived.
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). 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 and Bannister, who starred opposite her in Are You Being Served? also paid tribute to her.
Other EastEnders stars attending include Lacey Turner, John Altman and Adam Woodyatt. Other EastEnders stars who attended included Lacey Turner, John Altman and Adam Woodyatt.
Letitia Dean, who played Sharon Watts in the show, told reporters: "Wendy is going to love this." Letitia Dean, who played Sharon Watts in the drama, told reporters beforehand: "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."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.