When was Dale Winton’s funeral, where did it take place and which celebrities attended the ceremony?
DALE Winton's funeral celebrated the life of the much-loved TV star - on what would have been his 63rd birthday.
Here's everything you need to know about the Humanist ceremony and what stars attended...
When is Dale Winton’s funeral and where did it take place?
Dale Winton’s funeral took place on May 22 at 1pm at Old Church, 1 Marleybone Road, London.
He was given Humanist service attended by his close family and Showbiz friends on what would have been his 63rd birthday.
Humanists UK posted on Twitter on May 21, “We’re very proud to be giving the humanist funeral of a national treasure, Dale Winton.
“He was loved so much and by so many - and tomorrow his loved ones will be celebrating the life he led and the positive impact he had on their lives.”
Who attended Dale Winton’s funeral?
Gloria Hunniford was among the showbiz guests who attended Dale Winton's funeral.
After the star's death she told The Mirror, “I’m actually going to the funeral because I’ll be very glad to say a little goodbye to him as well as it was very sudden.”
Christopher Biggins, Dale's close friend was also at the service to pay his respects.
At his time of passing he said “It’s terrible. He was 62, he should never have died. It’s awful.”
Other stars who were at the funeral were...
- Matt Lucas
- David Walliams
- Tony Blackburn
- Piers Morgan
- Anthea Turner
- Matthew Wright
- Jonathan Shalit
- Gaby Roslin
- Lee Ryan
- Anthony Costa
- Simon Webbe
- Martine McCutcheon
- Graeme Souness
- Ben Ofoedu
- Claire Sweeney
- Duncan James
- Jon Culshaw
According to his close friend and LBC radio host Steve Allen, Dale was worried that people wouldn’t show up to his funeral.
Following his death, Steve said: “He would be so thrilled with the coverage.
“This is what he was worried about, the funeral. We had this chat for many many years and he said ‘are they going to turn up to the funeral?’
What tributes were paid at Dale Winton's Humanist funeral service?
Humanism is a belief system which focuses on rationality and human beings rather than the divine or supernatural.
reported that Claire Sweeney would perform Cilla Black's Alfie and Dusty Springfield's Going Back.
Blue performed their hit One Love and former Eastenders actress Martine McCutcheon did a reading of What Should Life Be.
Dale's three godsons Josh, Ben and Louis Linsey also paid tribute with celebrities recounting their memories of the star's life.
The format of a Humanist funeral service is usually...
- Introductory music
- Words of welcome
- Thoughts on life and death from a non-religious perspective
- The tribute – an outline of the life and personality of the person who has died
- Readings of poetry and prose
- Reflection – a few moments for private thoughts about the person who has died, either in silence or accompanied by music
- The committal – when the curtains are closed or coffin lowered
- Closing words – including thanks on your behalf
- Final music
MORE ON CELEBRITY DEATHS
What was Dale Winton's cause of death?
There has been no confirmation yet as to how the beloved presenter Dale died.
Long-term agent Jan Kennedy announced the star's death on April 18 after he was found collapsed at his home.
She said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm the passing of Dale Winton who died at home earlier today.
"While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time of grief."
Pals have said Dale told them he'd "had enough" in the months leading up to his death.
On April 19 a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “The death is not being treated as suspicious."
Friends in the US say Dale died of a broken heart after he was dumped by his toyboy love after he flew him to England to meet Elton John.
His pals said he had struggled to cope with the split and "it took everything out of him".
On May 3 a coroner said he was awaiting the outcome of "further inquiries" before starting the inquest into the star's death.