Rik Mayall funeral: Comedian’s family will pay tribute today at 'private' service

The comedic actor’s funeral will be staged today

Comedian Rik Mayall died aged 56 in June 2014 (Rex)

Rik Mayall’s funeral will be held today 19 June. A memorial service is reportedly expected to be held in September.

Today’s service will be a “private family” event and the comedian’s widow, Barbara Robbin, has asked fans for their “thoughts and prayers”.

“We will be burying him at 2pm on Thursday June 19 if you would like to join us in thoughts and prayer at this time,” she said.

“Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength.”

Mayall died on 9 June, aged 56, following an “acute cardiac event” at his home in south-west London after a morning run. A post-mortem proved inconclusive.

In 1998, Mayall was left in a coma for several days after a serious quad bike accident. He recovered, but was left with epilepsy – for which he took daily medication.

Known for his roles in Blackadder, The Young Ones and The New Statesman, Mayall’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from both the public and entertainment figureheads, including David Walliams, Jack Dee and Bob Mortimer.

His World Cup track, “Noble England” – first released in 2010 - entered the top 10 of the UK Official Charts last week, after a fan campaign.

Mayall is survived by his wife, Barbara, and three children, Rosie, Sidney and Bonnie – the latter of whom paid tribute to her late father on Facebook.

“We will never forget him and neither will the world,” the 19-year-old wrote on her Facebook page.

“R.I.P to the man, the myth, the legend - my wonderful generous, foul-mouthed and hysterical father. My idol now and forever.

“We love you daddy.”