Ronnie Corbett funeral: David Walliams, Jimmy Tarbuck and Rob Brydon among stars paying final respects to entertainer

'Much loved, and should have been knighted,' said Tarbuck

Ronnie Corbett's glasses (Nils Jorgensen/REX)

Jimmy Tarbuck, Rob Brydon and David Walliams were among a number of figures from the entertainment world who arrived in south London this afternoon to pay their last respects to Ronnie Corbett.

The late entertainer died in March aged 85 having been diagnosed with a suspected form of motor neurone disease.

His funeral took place at St John the Evangelist Church near his home in Shirley, Croydon.

Corbett’s wife Anne Hart and their daughters Sophie and Emma were joined by a number of guests including Sir Michael Parkinson and Barry Cryer at the private service.

Ronnie Corbett's wife Anne Hart (centre) arrives with their daughters, Sophie (left) and Emma, for his funeral service (Press Association ) (Press Association)

Ahead of the service, Sir Michael praised Corbett’s integrity. “What you saw is what you got," he told the Press Association: "He was modest, self-effacing, he was a brilliant comic, very good actor too, very good comedy actor.”

Corbett’s fellow comedian remembered him as a “great guy” who was “very much loved” by his family and friends.

Jimmy Tarbuck and Rob Brydon arrive at the funeral (PA)

He went on: “Very correct guy, very funny fellow. Disciplinarian - I think that was because he was an officer in the RAF. But he was great company.

“I mean he was a terrific laugh. Dreadful giggler. He used to get me at it when we worked together.

“Much loved, and should have been knighted. That's definitely my opinion."

Corbett starred in the BBC sketch show, The Two Ronnies, alongside Ronnie Barkers for 16 years. After launching the show in the 80s, his meandering armchair monologues and family friendly humour made him of Britain’s best-loved comedians. He went on to appear on a number of shows and was awarded a CBE in the 2012 New Year Honours.

The service paid tribute to one of their most famous sketches by leaving four candles burning at the back of the alter, a reference to Four Candles - or Fork Handles. It closed with a recording of his rendition of Up's The Only Way To Go.

Additional reporting by PA