'Comedy great' Ronnie Corbett dies aged 85

The good and the great of British television entertainment are expected to pay their respects to comedian Ronnie Corbett at his funeral later today.

Corbett died last month aged 85 having been diagnosed with a suspected form of motor neurone disease.

The funeral service, which will be attended by family and friends, is to be held at the St John the Evangelist Church near his home in Shirley, Croydon, south London. The cortege will then move to a local crematorium.

The funeral will be followed by a private wake at a nearby golf club.

Robbie Williams has paid tribute to Ronnie Corbett with a photo on Twitter showing a tattoo on his neck of The Two Ronnies' glasses that famously formed part of the start of their shows.

Michael Parkinson has told ITV News of his "unutterable sadness" at the death of "lovable" Ronnie Corbett, who has died today aged 85.

The former chat show host, 81, was close to tears as he told of how much he will miss his friend, who he called an "'old-fashioned family entertainer."

• Ronnie Corbett's best jokes

Comedian Rob Brydon has paid tribute to Ronnie Corbett saying he was a "truly great comedian, a great man and a great friend".

The Gavin and Stacey star is known for doing Ronnie Corbett impressions.

The pair also appeared together on the show Would I Lie To You? in 2010.

They relived the Two Ronnies sketch over the mix-up between "fork handles" and "four candles".

Sir Bruce Forsyth had paid tribute to his "true friend" Ronnie Corbett, who has died aged 85.

He told ITV News: "He was a naturally funny man, just the size of him and his little walk.

"He was such a joy to be with, he was funny all the time. Even when he was talking about something serious they'd always be a little look in his eyes, that you'd start to go a bit."

Recalling their time working together, Sir Bruce said: "He was a dream to work with, none of us like rehearsing really, but with Ronnie it was always a pleasure."

"I will miss him, he was a true friend", the veteran entertainer added.

Comedian John Cleese paid tribute to friend and former colleague Ronnie Corbett today by crediting him with having "the best timing I've ever watched".

Cleese worked with Corbett on The Frost Report, the 60s comedy show the diminutive comedian credited with "turning his life around", as well as featuring as a star guest in The Two Ronnies.