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Actors attend Richard's funeral Actors attend Richard's funeral
(10 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 led tributes at the service for the star, who was best known for playing 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 were 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 attend her funeral," she said."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.
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 It was a beautiful and funny service. I just remember all the good things and the black humour. She had a very acerbic sense of humour Ian Lavender
Speaking after the service Lavender, who played Derek Harkinson, told Sky News it had not been a "sombre" occasion. Lavender, who played Derek Harkinson in EastEnders, spoke at the funeral. He described her as "a great icon for ordinary folk".
"She was a part of everybody lives and she's the sort of person who will always remain part of their lives," he said. He added: "It was a beautiful and funny service. I just remember all the good things and the black humour. She had a very acerbic sense of humour.
"She's not going to go away because the hearse has gone away." "Sometimes you would have to tell her, 'I am not listening to this' but she would eventually overwhelm you with her charm. She was a great woman and I am honoured to have spoken today."
Frank Thornton, who played Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served?, added: "It was a lovely service - I think this just goes to show what a good actress she was. It was a truly brilliant way to say goodbye to her."
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 1960s hit Spirit In The Sky were among the songs that were played to the congregation.In The Mood by Glenn Miller and 1960s hit Spirit In The Sky were among the songs that were played to the congregation.
Carty, who also helped carry Richard's casket into the church, was close to tears as he arrived.Carty, who also helped carry Richard's casket into the church, was close to tears as he arrived.
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 and Bannister, who starred opposite her in Are You Being Served? also paid tribute to her.Lavender and Bannister, who starred opposite her in Are You Being Served? also paid tribute to her.
Other EastEnders stars who attended included 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 drama, told reporters beforehand: "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.