Celebrity friends of TV star Dale Winton have paid their respects to the Supermarket Sweep host as his funeral was held in London.

Image: Dale Winton pictured on Loose Women in 2016

Winton died in April, and the service took place on what would have been his 63rd birthday.

Duncan James, of boyband Blue
Image: Duncan James, of boyband Blue
Radio DJ Tony Blackburn
Image: Radio DJ Tony Blackburn

Among those attending the ceremony to remember him were close friend David Walliams, Gloria Hunniford, Claire Sweeney and Anthea Turner, as well as Piers Morgan, and Graeme Souness.

Anthea Turner arrives at Old Church
Image: Anthea Turner arrives at Old Church in London
Piers Morgan arrives at Old Church
Image: Piers Morgan arrives for the service

The order of service revealed boyband Blue sung One Love, and Sweeney performed Alfie, recorded by Cilla Black in 1965, and Going Back by Dusty Springfield.

Christopher Biggins at the funeral
Image: Christopher Biggins at the funeral
Dale Winton's order of service
Image: Dale Winton's order of service

Tributes were given by Winton's godsons Josh, Ben and Louis Linsey and by comedian and impressionist Jon Culshaw.

Walliams, who was a close friend of Winton's, read If You Go, also recorded by Springfield, while Martine McCutcheon read What Should Life Be?

:: 'A sweet man': Stars pay tribute to Dale Winton

Claire Sweeney attended the funeral
Image: Claire Sweeney attended the ceremony

TV presenter Matthew Wright revealed that in the tribute, comedian Culshaw alternated between his own and Winton's voice as he read a poem.

He said: "I think he would have b****y loved it if I'm honest. The best bit was Jon Culshaw at the end. He read a poem and he did it alternating between himself and Dale Winton and when he hit the Dale words it was like having him there.

"For all the intents and purposes it was his voice in the room … wonderful."

Gloria Hunniford at the Supermarket Sweep's star's funeral
Image: Gloria Hunniford at the Supermarket Sweep's star's funeral
Matthew Wright arrives to pay respects
Image: Matthew Wright arrives to pay respects

Speaking after the funeral, Turner said the service was "beautiful" and that "Dale was there".

She added, of Winton: "He would have been chuffed to have seen us all there.

"It was very emotional, but it was beautifully produced and polished. You wouldn't normally say that but in this instance it's worth saying, and the people who put it together did the most magnificent job.

"I'm truly glad I was there."

Martine McCutcheon was among mourners
Image: Martine McCutcheon was among mourners
Graeme Souness arrives at Old Church for the funeral
Image: Graeme Souness arrives at Old Church for the funeral

Hunniford said she would remember Winton for "that tan, of course".

She added: "A lot of people paid their respects. I think, when you get a shock when somebody dies suddenly and they are so young, the first thing you feel is, oh gosh I never got to say goodbye.

"And that's why today was very special. We all got a chance, in our own ways, to say our own small goodbye to Dale."

Simon Webbe of Blue, who will perform
Image: Simon Webbe of Blue, who will perform
Matt Lucas (centre) leaves Old Church
Image: Matt Lucas (centre) leaves Old Church

The funeral was held at Old Church in London. Pallbearers carried a white coffin covered in flowers into the building.

Winton was found dead at his home on 8 April. His death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

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Vanessa Feltz and Ben Ofoedu
Image: Vanessa Feltz and Ben Ofoedu

Walliams described him as "the best company, always outrageous & hilarious", adding: "He adored being in show business & loved meeting fans."

Pall bearers carry the coffin of Supermarket Sweep star Dale Winton
Image: Pall bearers carry the coffin of Dale Winton

Winton became a household name in the 1990s with his TV game shows Supermarket Sweep and National Lottery In It To Win It.

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