TV stars among first to arrive at Keating funeral

Mourners today paid their final respects at the funeral of television presenter Caron Keating.

GMTV host Eamonn Holmes and Channel 4’s Richard and Judy were among the first to arrive at St Peter’s Church in the grounds of Hever Castle, Kent.

Former Blue Peter and This Morning star Caron died last Tuesday at the home of her mother Gloria Hunniford in Sevenoaks, Kent, following a secret seven-year battle against breast cancer.

She was aged 41. Her husband, Russ Lindsay, and sons, Charlie, nine, and Gabriel, seven, were also by her bedside.

The 13th century church is the same one in which she married 42-year-old Mr Lindsay in 1991.

A number of floral tributes were being left outside the 250-capacity church.

A bouquet signed ‘From Richard and Judy’ said: “Good night, sweet Caron and mayflights of angels sing thee to thy rest. With all our love in the world, Richard and Judy.”

Another bouquet from TV presenter Jim Davidson said simply: “May you rest in peace.”

Flowers from Saturday Night Takeaway hosts Ant and Dec said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

There were also floral tributes from the Blue Peter and This Morning programmes.

Cliff Richard arrived at the church hand-in-hand with Cilla Black, who was wearing a long, black leather jacket.

Seconds later, former Blue Peter presenter John Leslie walked up the church path alone, as did West End star Darren Day, who arrived a few minutes later.

Darren Day embraced Richard Madeley and Cliff Richard outside the entrance to the church as bells began to ring out sombre tones.

Earlier, TV’s Ant and Dec arrived with a party of family and friends. They were followed shortly after by Anthea Turner and her husband, Grant Bovey.

Richard Madeley – one of the pallbearers – said outside the church: “I was honoured to be asked. Caron and Russ were probably our closest friends.”

His wife, Judy, said: “She was full of laughter and spirit. We had such good times.”

Other mourners included TV presenter Noel Edmonds and one of Caron Keating’s fellow Blue Peter colleagues, Peter Duncan.

Friends who sent flowers to be placed in the churchyard included Rolling Stones bass guitarist Bill Wyman and EastEnders star Shane Ritchie.

The funeral cortege arrived at the church from Gloria Hunniford's house at just before 2pm.

Pallbearers including Richard Madeley, and Caron’s brothers Michael and Paul carried the coffin, which was covered with white flowers, followed by a group of around 30 close family and friends.

Husband Russ Lindsay began the service by reading a letter from Gloria Hunniford, who was “too emotional” to speak herself. The letter said it had been a “joy and a privilege” to have had Caron as a daughter for more than 41 years.

“I feel so proud to be your Mum. You brought light and rainbows to us daily.”

She wrote that the last seven years, while her daughter had been battling cancer, had been full of “constant new discoveries”.

“Watching you bravely battle your cancer has taught me so much about bravery and tenacity.

“I miss you so very much already. The heartache of losing you will never be healed but you have left us so many exquisite memories.”

She wrote that Caron had often talked of enjoying a cup of tea at her mother’s kitchen table in Sevenoaks, and this wish was fulfilled when Russ brought her home the night before she died.

“With your incredible instinct and Irish timing you made it back.”

The letter spoke of the “generosity of spirit” which Caron radiated.

“You always did believe in angels and now you are one of God’s brightest and most beautiful.”