Alan Carr recently recalled how a hilarious error at Paul O'Grady's funeral lightened the mood slightly for a number of mourners paying their respects. The 46-year-old comedian joined the likes of Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood, fellow comic Jo Brand, and presenter Gaby Roslin at the funeral in April - following Paul's 'unexpected but peaceful' passing at the age of 67 a month prior.
The celebration of life took place at St Rumwold's Church in Kent, with local schoolchildren and teachers taking to the streets to share touching tributes to the late TV star. And while Paul's funeral was an emotional affair to friends and family alike, Alan has detailed how the service for his long-time friend managed to provide some unintentional off the cuff comedy.
Speaking with Kathy Burke, Alan revealed that he and fellow mourners were left 'in bits' throughout the proceedings, but ended up 'killing ourselves laughing' through one particular blunder, which saw a very awkward musical performance and follow up comment from the vicar.
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The Mirror reports that Alan explained that while he enjoyed many a Christmas party with Paul over the years, he didn't want to seem like he was 'ambulance chasing' with his tributes to the beloved Lily Savage creator. He went on to exclaim that while he wasn't 'proper best friends' with Paul like Julian Clary, the two were pals.
Speaking on Kathy's Where There's A Will, There's A Wake podcast, Alan said: "[Julian] did the eulogy at the funeral and of course, we're all in bits and crying, [but before Julian's eulogy] the man comes on and plays the organ. He's proper like Les Dawson, all out of tune, and we're killing ourselves laughing - not meant to be- then Julian gets up to do the eulogy."
"[But before that] this vicar comes out - honestly, he must not know Julian's work - and says 'can I just apologise - the organ needed pumping'," Alan went on as Kathy burst into laughter, adding: "Julian just looked round and looked at him and said 'thanks for clearing that up. What a gift for Julian."
Kathy responded: "That's beautiful," agreeing with Alan who went on to say that their late friend 'would have loved it'.
Paul's 'unexpected but peaceful' death came in March this year, as he passed away at his home in Kent. His official death certificate cited that his cause of passing came in the form of sudden cardiac arrhythmia - linked to ischemic heart disease.
The British Heart Foundation describes this as when a person dies suddenly after suffering cardiac arrest, and no clear or obvious cause can be found. Paul was prior very open about his battles with heart disease, citing how he had suffered three separate heart attacks before he hit 65.
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