Stars say final farewell to Mike Reid

Updated 17.32 Tue Aug 14 2007

Keywords: Frank Butcher, EastEnders, Mike Reid

Stars from the world of showbusiness have said their final farewells to actor Mike Reid at his funeral in Essex.

The death of the 67-year-old comedian, best known for his loveable rogue character Frank Butcher in EastEnders, shocked many when he suffered a sudden heart attack in Spain last month.

Reid's coffin was taken into the church as The Ugly Duckling music played

Stars from the soap, Pam St Clement, Barbara Windsor and June Brown, arrived together at the church near Reid's family home in Little Easton. Also attending the service were soccer agent Eric Hall and former boxer Henry Cooper.

Reid's coffin was taken into the church as The Ugly Duckling music played. A poem was read by George Saunders, followed by tributes from Stan Taylor, life president of the Comedians' Golfing Society, and his agent David Hahn.

One of Reid's sons, Jimmy, talked about family memories and Frank Sinatra's My Way was among the songs played to the congregation, following an address by the Rev Cilla Hawkes.

My Love and Devotion was played as the coffin left the church for the committal, a private service for the family.

Reid was pictured on the front of his Order of Service with his wife Shirley on their wedding day. The front said: "Celebration of the life of Mike Reid, 19th January 1940 - 29th July 2007".

His 69-year-old widow has been left "numb" by her husband's death, according to Mr Hahn.

He said: "Shirley has not just lost a husband, she has also lost her best friend. He doted on her and he was her rock. Mike was 6ft 3in and she is a petite lady but, to Mike, she was the biggest person in the world."

He added: "Mike was a people's person. He loved the working man in the street. Mike always said to me, 'it's those people who put me where I am today'."

In response to receiving over 2000 emails expressing condolences, Mr Hahn said: "I knew Mike was a popular man but I never in a million years expected him to be as popular as this."

Reid is expected to be cremated in Chelmsford, Essex on Wednesday.