British stars from the stage and screen gathered in the Somerset town of Crewkerne on Monday to say goodbye to their friend Lynda Bellingham. Her best friend Christopher Biggins, and Loose Women co-stars, Jane McDonald, Andrea McLean, Kate Thornton and Coleen Nolan were among those seen arriving at St Bartholomew's church ahead of the funeral.
Michael Pattemore (front) helps carry the coffin of his late wife Lynda Bellingham
Christopher – one of the stars asked to pay tribute to the 66-year-old at the service - wore a pink suit because he said he "knew it would put a smile on her face". Julian Fellowes, Julia Sawalha, Stanley Tucci, Robert Lindsay and Coronation Street's Helen Worth were also among the mourners.
Lynda's devoted husband Michael Pattemore and her two sons helped carry her coffin, which was covered with beautiful white and yellow flowers – her favourite colours. Guests walked behind each clutching a single white rose. Prior to her death, Lynda had requested a lively send-off, and her husband reached out to a number of her friends to help make the funeral a Royal Variety show-style celebration of her life.
Loose Women's Coleen Nolan, Andrea McLean, Kate Thornton and Jane McDonald
Lynda La Plante, Maureen Lipman, Jane McDonald, Carol McGiffin, Denise Welch, Nickolas Grace and Christopher were all asked to pay tribute to the star during the service, alongside husband Michael, and Lynda's sons Michael and Robbie.