Celebrity friends mourn David Gest at funeral

David Gest's funeral was held at Golders Green crematorium in London on Friday (29.04.16) and was attended by a host of celebrity friends.

The American TV personality tragically died of natural causes in a London hotel room earlier this month, aged 62, and was laid to rest today as his famous pals mourned his passing.

Among those in attendance were his fellow 'Celebrity Big Brother' housemates Kristina Rihanoff, Gemma Collins, Darren Day, Stephanie Davis and her boyfriend Jeremy McConnell and Christopher Maloney.

His best friend Kym Marsh - whom David always called his "little sister" - and her 'Coronation Street' co-stars Ryan Thomas and Jimmi Harkishin all arrived at the venue looking distraught.

Other mourners included Busted bassist Matt Willis - who was in the jungle with David on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' - 'This Morning' life coaches Nik and Eva Speakman, Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona, 'EastEnders' actor Dean Gaffney, Denise Welch, Danniella Westbrook and Cleo Rocos.

Stephanie posted a message featuring a broken heart emoji on her Twitter account, writing: "Today we say goodbye to david (sic)"

Meanwhile, Christopher - who shared the Big Brother house with David for just 13 days earlier this year - also paid tribute to the charismatic entertainer, who was best known for his five-year marriage to Liza Minnelli, life-long friendship with Michael Jackson and hilarious reality TV show appearances.

Christopher tweeted: "A very sad day today attending dear friend David Gest funeral - he was so thoughtful and hilarious & I feel honored to have known him (sic)"

Before the service took place, Kerry took to Twitter to admit she was dreading the funeral but was determined to give her pal a good send-off.

She tweeted: "So not looking forward to today ... Goodbyes are never easy and this is the hardest! But we will do in style..in David's style! rip (sic)"

Speaking about the plans for the service, a source told BANG Showbiz: "David would have wanted something uplifting, so all his friends will be there to celebrate the joy and fun he brought to their lives. Music will play a big part because that's what he lived for, that was his real passion."

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.

The final soul review show, 'David Gest Is Not Dead but Alive With Soul Tour', is to now go ahead in tribute to the late star with performances from music legends Russell Thompkins Jr, Deniece Williams, Peabo Bryson, The Tymes, Freda Payne, Melba Moore, Anita Ward and Fern Kinney.