Big names from the world of British entertainment are expected to attend Ronnie Corbett's funeral. The ceremony will take place on 18 April close to his home in south London, at St John the Evangelist Church in Shirley, followed by an invitation-only service at Croydon Crematorium.It is expected that the comedian's daughters, Emma, 48, and Sophie, 47, will pay tribute to their father, and a wake will follow at Addington golf club.
Ronnie Corbett will be laid to rest near his south London home
Ronnie passed away on 31 March at the age of 85. His death has had a devastating impact on his widow Anne, who was married to the star for 50 years.Family friend Michael Thornton revealed that Anne, who turns 83 next week, suffered a health scare as she prepared for the funeral, and had to be rushed from the couple's home to the local A&E department at London#s Croydon University Hospital. "I'm extremely relieved to be able to say that Anne is OK," he told the Mail. "They only kept her in for a couple of days for a safety first health examination, and she is now back home with her family around her."
Ronnie's wife Anne suffered a health scare as she prepared for the funeral
Meanwhile, it has already been confirmed that Sir Bruce Forsyth will miss the funeral of his dear friend, because he is too unwell to attend. The veteran entertainer, 88, will remain at his Surrey home recovering from keyhole surgery, following a fall last October.Sir Bruce led the tributes to Ronnie following his death at the end of March. "I have lost a close and very dear friend, and we have all lost one of the greatest comedians and entertainers this country has known," he said in a statement.
Sir Bruce Forsyth is unable to attend the funeral of his dear friend
Speaking to the BBC, he added: "Ronnie was a friend, someone who I admired so much. It's a very, very sad day. I'm going to miss him like crazy, I really will."