David Gest's ashes have been scattered in York. Close friends and family of the entertainer gathered to say their goodbyes in a small ceremony, scattering his ashes from Clifford's Tower.
A pastor led the service on the tower, and David's sister Barbara gave a reading before the ashes were scattered. The guests released white balloons and doves to bid a final farewell to the late 62-year-old.
David's close friend and co-producer, Imad Handi, revealed that the star had said that he wanted his ashes to be spread "somewhere nice" in York. He said: "[David] said that in his estate if he passed away he just wanted somewhere nice in York. We decided it was a peaceful place."
© Photo: Getty ImagesDavid's ashes were spread in York
The Celebrity Big Brother star had spoken about his fondness for York, saying it was his favourite place to live. He said: "I've lived in New York, Beverly Hills, I still have property in Hawaii, I lived in Claridge's for two years. But here it's so special. When you have the Minster, all other churches fade by comparison.
"It has an elite beauty and the people are so special. I think I'd like to die here."
A spokesperson for English Heritage revealed that they were happy to close the Tower so David's family could hold the service, saying: "We were approached by David Gest's family who asked if they could scatter his ashes from the top of Clifford's Tower in a small, private memorial. As he was an adopted son of York, we thought it an appropriate thing to do for his family."
© Photo: Getty ImagesDavid revealed before his death that he would like his ashes to be scattered in York
David passed away unexpectedly in a hotel in London on 12 April. At the time, a statement from the Metropolitan Police read: "Police were called at 10:17hrs on Tuesday 12 April to the Four Seasons hotel, in Westferry Circus, E14, to reports of an unexplained death of a man in his 60s.
"London Ambulance Service were called to the scene. Life was pronounced extinct at the hotel. A post-mortem will be held in due course."
