Stars including Kristina Rihanoff, Denise Welch and Sarah Harding turned out in full force to attend the funeral of David Gest. The American actor and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant passed away earlier this month, sending shockwaves through the showbiz world.
David's famous friends were spotted arriving at the Golders Green Crematorium in north London on Friday, dressed in black and prepared to say their final goodbyes to the star.
Kristina, who is pregnant with her first child, was seen walking into the venue, covering her bump in a belt-up coat. She later posted a photo of herself and David on Instagram and wrote: "RIP our lovely David. It's so sad to say good bye to you. You will be greatly missed."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKristina Rihanoff starred in Celebrity Big Brother with David Gest
Kym Marsh, Gemma Collins, Denise Welch, Christopher Maloney, Vanessa Feltz and Darren Day were also among the guests who gathered at the sombre affair.
Lizzie Cundy, who also attended, tweeted: "With a very sad and heavy heart I'm saying my final farewell to my dear friend David Gest today. I miss you more than words can say... X."
© Photo: Getty ImagesChristopher Maloney was pictured hugging another mourner
David's coffin was decorated with a white floral display consisting of a butterfly, a musical note and the lyrics to Nat King Cole's Unforgettable.
It is expected that David's ashes will be taken to Yorkshire, where he had been living on and off since 2013.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSarah Harding was among the famous guests
The funeral took place shortly after it was confirmed that David's tour, which had been planned for July, will still go ahead. Organisers said the tour would also keep its original title 'David Gest is not Dead but Alive With Soul' in keeping with the producer's "mischievous sense of humour".
The name is a reference to a mix-up that happened during David's time on Celebrity Big Brother when his fellow housemate Tiffany Pollard thought that David had passed away. Angie Bowie was in fact referring to her late ex-husband David Bowie.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police confirmed David's death earlier this month. Liza Minnelli's ex-husband was found on the morning of Tuesday 12 April at the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Wharf, London.
