Fans, family and friends of comedian Freddie Starr are expected to turn out to pay their respects at his funeral today.
The comic, who became a household name in the 1970s, died aged 76 at his home in Spain last month.
The funeral will be held at Prescot Parish Church in Merseyside on Thursday.
A statement on the Freddie Starr Official Facebook page said the service would be held at 1pm and would be followed by a private burial for family.
The repatriation and burial are being paid for by funeral director Michael Fogg after fears the comedian would have a pauper’s funeral.
Starr, who died of heart disease, was known by fans for his eccentric and often unpredictable behaviour, rising to national prominence after appearing on Opportunity Knocks.
His later years were marred by allegations of historic sexual assault and an ultimately unsuccessful defamation lawsuit that cost him a rumoured £1 million.
Among the fellow comedians who paid tribute following Starr’s death was Jim Davidson, who tweeted: “Just heard the news. Freddie Starr was the greatest.”
Actor Bobby Davro called Starr the “most naturally funny man I’ve ever seen”.
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