Ken Dodd funeral: Comedian’s touching final wish revealed ahead of Liverpool ceremony
SIR KEN DODD made a final wish in relation to his funeral, which is taking place at Liverpool Cathedral today, according to reports.
Ken Dodd funeral news live Liverpool homeless charity
Friends and family speak at Ken Dodd's funeral
The comedian, who died on March 11 at his Knotty Ash home, is believed to have asked mourners to help those most in need.
The tickle stick creator asked that anyone wishing to buy flowers instead make a donation to helping the homeless in Merseyside, the Liverpool Echo has stated.
Sir Ken’s fans lined the funeral route in his home city while his horse-drawn hearse came complete with a Diddy Man inside.
Jimmy Tarbuck, Ricky Tomlinson and Les Dennis led the mourners, while the likes of Tom O'Connor, Sammy Lee, Les Dennis, Claire Sweeney and Lord Michael Grade were also pictured.
The funeral service was open to the public, with a large screen broadcasting the ceremony for those outside.
I've been all over the world in my 50 years and I don't know anyone who didn't admire Ken Dodd
It was set to be followed by a private interment, as flags at Liverpool Town Hall, St George's Hall, Cunard Building and Central Library were lowered.
Two of the red, white and blue sticks were placed on Liverpool Town Hall, as others adorned a statue of The Beatles, the Queen Victoria Monument and the Mersey Ferry.
A statue of Sir Ken was also returned to Liverpool Lime Street train station for the day after it was removed temporarily for building work to be carried out.
Speaking prior to his speech at the ceremony, actor Ricky, 78, said he would talk about Sir Ken reminiscing about starting out in showbiz.
He said: "He was just a one off wasn't he? You can't compare anyone with Doddy.
"He inspired everyone in Liverpool and that's why so many people are here today, they loved him.”
Ken Dodd funeral: The comedian died on March 11
Ken Dodd funeral: The star was laid to rest in Liverpool today
Comic Roy Chubby Brown, 43, went on: "I've been all over the world in my 50 years and I don't know anyone who didn't admire Ken Dodd.
"Everybody loved Ken and when I used to say, ‘Oh he talks to me on the phone and he's a friend,’ I was more popular than ever."
Jimmy, 78, who was also due to speak, continued: "He was the greatest stage comic I've ever seen. I mean, at the Palladium, he did three seasons there and it was glorious.
"He never got giggle laughter, never little titters, there were roars of laughter like you've never heard. I've never seen anybody get laughs like him."
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, was one of the first to speak out about the public funeral.
Ken Dodd funeral: The star's widow outside their home
Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck pays tribute to Ken Dodd
Ken Dodd funeral: Thousands gathered on the streets of Liverpool
He added: "Although Wednesday will be a sombre occasion, it is an opportunity for us all to pay tribute to an unforgettable man and I can think of nothing more fitting than huge crowds lining the streets for his final act.
"There will never be another comedian like Ken, his passing marks the end of an era in British entertainment and I'm sure he'll be tickled that the city will be putting on such a show in his honour."
It was reported that the congregation would sing Sir Ken’s signature song, Happiness.
Sir Ken’s wife Anne Jones was seen leaving the couple’s home, arm-in-arm with a male companion.
The couple wed just two days before he died, following a six-week stay in hospital.