Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ronnie Corbett’s funeral to take place next week

The comedy great passed away almost two weeks ago at the age of 85

Tuesday 12 April 2016 08:50 BST
Comments
Ronnie Corbett
Ronnie Corbett (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The world of entertainment is set to bid a final farewell to Ronnie Corbett next week when his funeral takes place.

It is expected famous faces will gather alongside other friends and family as the 85-year-old's life is remembered in a church near his home in south London on Monday.

The Two Ronnies star, who has been hailed as a “true great of British comedy”, died on March 31 with a suspected form of motor neurone disease.

Corbett was one of Britain's best-loved entertainers and his partnership with Ronnie Barker in the BBC sketch show was one of the most popular of the 1970s and 1980s.

The funeral, which is by invitation only, will take place at St John the Evangelist Church, Shirley, followed by a short service at Croydon Crematorium, family friend Michael Thornton said.

It is expected the comedian's daughters will pay tribute, and a wake will follow at Addington Golf Club.

Remembering Corbett, Mr Thornton said: “I think he'll be tremendously missed by his friends but I actually think he'll be around in people's minds and hearts for a long time to come.

“I hope it will be a fitting send-off.”

At the time of his death Tony Hall, director-general of the BBC, described Corbett as “quite simply one of the true greats of British comedy”.

Press Association.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in