Goodbye Ken Dodd: Jimmy Tarbuck pays tear-jerking tribute as celebs bid farewell to legend

Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, 78, was among the first well-known faces to be pictured arriving at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, ahead of the service which started at 1pm.

Ahead of his reading at the service, he said of Ken: "He was the greatest stage comic I've ever seen. I mean, at the Palladium, he did three seasons there and it was glorious.

"He never got giggle laughter, never little titters, there were roars of laughter like you've never heard. I've never seen anybody get laughs like him."

Jimmy Cricket will also be reading at the service. 

Royale Family actor Ricky Tomlinson wore a smart black suit with a white shirt and a matching tie.

Ricky said he will talk about his late friend reminiscing about starting out in showbiz.

He said: "He was just a one off wasn't he? You can't compare anyone with Doddy.

"He inspired everyone in Liverpool and that's why so many people are here today, they loved him."

Actresss Claire Sweeney, who starred in Brookside, wore an elegant dress and jacket to the service. 

Comedian Roy Chubby Brown and Johnny Vegas also joined the guests at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. 

Speaking of his memories of Sir Ken, he said: "I've been all over the world in my 50 years and I don't know anyone who didn't admire Ken Dodd.

"Everybody loved Ken and when I used to say 'oh he talks to me on the phone and he's a friend' I was more popular than ever."

Miriam Margolyes was captured wearing green silk bottoms with a patterned top, a red and green scarf and a blue jacket and black trainers.

Stephanie Cole - famous for shows including Coronation Street and Doc Martin- wore an oversized black poncho and stood out with her red lipstick.

Former BBC chairman Michael Grade was seen ahead of the ceremony wearing a smart navy shirt with a maroon-coloured tie.

TV star Les Dennis was also captured wearing a black suit. 

Some of Sir Ken’s other closest friends and fellow comedians are expected to attend the service today.

The vicar at Sir Ken’s Knotty Ash church will be leading prayers, according to the Liverpool Echo.

So far, a horse-drawn hearse has lead the funeral cortege from East Prescot Road, where residents and visitors have lined the route.

It will also be broadcast on a large screen for mourners outside, and flags will be lowered at Liverpool Town Hall, St George's Hall, the Cunard Building, and Central Library.

The service will be followed by a private burial ceremony, where his wife Anne recently revealed that his favourite “jam butties” will be served in his honour.

The Order of Service programme was revealed earlier today, which included a touching message in tribute to the stage veteran.

Part of the obituary read: “Ken’s unique and brilliant comic genius and strong melodious voice and delighted audiences all over Great Britain over six decades.

"He helped numerous charities over the years and was solely responsible for rescuing the Manchester Palace from closure in 1977. He also helped to save The Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool and several other theatres for the future generations to enjoy.”

Many of Ken’s loyal fans have flocked to his Liverpool home to pay their respects to the late star.

Tributes have included flowers and memorable photos of of Ken, along with memories of the star penned by his fans.

The much-loved comedian died at his home in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, earlier this month aged 90.

He died just over a week after he was discharged from hospital following a six-week stay for a chest infection.

Ken’s death happened two days after he married Anne, with his publicist revealing: “They got the registrar and were married in the house.

“He died two days later on Mother's Day. Anne is obviously very upset. To my mind, he was one of the last music hall greats."