Ronnie Corbett memorial: Dame Barbara Windsor and Bruce Forsyth's wife lead stars at event
CELEBRITIES arrived at Westminster Abbey today to celebrate the life and work of comedian Ronnie Corbett.
Stars have gathered to honour comedian Ronnie Corbett
Edinburgh-born Ronnie who died in March last year at the age of 85 first came to national prominence in The Frost Report (1966-1967).
It was his partnership with Ronnie Barker in The Two Ronnies (1971-1987) that made him a household name and a national treasure.
The show regularly drew audiences of up to 22 million.
The order of service for Ronnie Corbett
Ronnie became a national treasure alongside his partner Ronnie Barker
Dame Barbara Windsor loved Ronnie Corbett – they were both small
Ronnie had a solo spot – a monologue in a large easy chair, and usually wearing a Lyle & Scott golfing V-neck sweater.
He also had a successful solo career, including the BBC sitcom Sorry! as Timothy Lumsden and appeared playing himself in the Ricky Gervais comedy Extras and Little Britain Abroad.
Lady Forsyth, ex-Miss World Wilnelia Merced Forsyth, was present to remember her husband's friend
Among the attendees were Dame Barbara Windsor and her husband Scott Mitchell, Joanna Lumley, Wilnelia Forsyth, the wife of comedy legend Sir Bruce, Jimmy Tarbuck and wife Pauline, Richard Wilson, Graham Norton and Su Pollard, actress Nina Wadia, Rob Brydon, Barry Cryer and Dame Patricia Routledge.
Ronnie Corbett funeral: Stars pay tribute
Comedian Rob Brydon attends the thanksgiving service for his friend Ronnie Corbett
He was very special. And we had a lot in common
Dame Barbara said: "He was very special. And we had a lot in common. We were both little.
"He always knew his lines and was there on time. He was very professional....He was a breath of fresh air."
He became a household name a long with his partner Ronnie Barker
Joanna Lumley added: "The Two Ronnies were as good as it gets.
"They were at the top of the tree. They always left me in stitches and gasps of admiration."
Graham Norton and Su Pollard pay their respects to comedy giant Ronnie Corbett
She said of the service: "He would be absolutely delighted and amazed."
And Tarby added: "I think he would have loved to be here. He loved a party.... I'm very honoured to be here."
Corbett’s partner, Ronnie Barker, died in 2005 aged 76.