TV star Elphick to be cremated

Television star Michael Elphick is to be cremated during a private service on Wednesday, his mother said today.

Joan Elphick, 84, said the former EastEnders star would be cremated in his home town of Chichester, West Sussex. A wake will be held at a local pub, she added.

The 55-year-old actor, best known for his role in Boon, the light-hearted drama centred around two middle-aged ex-firemen Ken Boon (Elphick) and Harry Crawford, played by David Daker, collapsed on Saturday, September 7. He was taken to hospital but died later.

Mrs Elphick, who still lives in Chichester, said she had received hundreds of tributes to her son, who had an on-off battle with drink throughout his career and also suffered the heartache of watching his long term partner Julia Alexander die of cancer six years ago.

The cremation service will be held at 4pm on Wednesday at Chichester Crematorium in Westhampnett Road followed by a wake at the nearby Nags Head pub.