David Gest’s funeral will take place in London before he’s moved to his final resting place in York.
Advertisement
The American actor and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant passed away earlier this month, sending shockwaves through the showbiz world.
The 62-year-old producer was found dead in his hotel room at the Four Seasons in Canary Wharf on April 12 and his friends and loved ones will gather for a “celebration of his life” today.
Denise Welch, Danniella Westbrook, Gemma Collins, Lizzie Cundy, Vanessa Feltz and Dean Gaffney were also among the mourners at his funeral at Golders Green Crematorium.
His coffin, which was carried in a black hearse topped with white lilies and roses, arrived at the service just before 2pm, before being brought into the chapel by seven pall-bearers.
A white floral display with a black musical note, a butterfly and the lyrics to Nat King Cole’s famous song rested alongside it.
Whilst his “Celebrity Big Brother” housemate Darren Day added: “I am privileged to have met him, he is one of the best people I have met in my whole life”.
The tour title, David Gest is not Dead but Alive With Soul, will be retained after the star’s friend Imad Handi said it was in keeping with David’s “mischievous sense of humour”.
Darren said: “Saying farewell to our deal pal David Gest today x”.
During tribute by David’s sister Barbara Gerber – read out by actress Cleo Rocos – the congregation were laughing as she told some of her fondest memories of her big brother.
“There were tears of laughter and tears of joy”.
Advertisement
Following the service, it is believed David’s ashes will scattered in York, North England, because of his love of the “special” city where he had been living on and off for several years. “David was a hilarious and thoughtful man. He will be so missed”.
