Fans win battle to have Mayall bench reinstalled

(Rik Mayall)

A new 'Bottom' bench has been unveiled in memory of Rik Mayall.

The iconic seat from the BBC Two sitcom has been re-installed by Hammersmith Council in honour of the show's late star following a petition from 7,000 fans to have the bench reinstated.

The petition came after Rik - who passed away aged 56 in June this year - claimed the bench from the series' opening sequence had been removed in a radio interview shortly before his death, reports The Telegraph newspaper.

Hammersmith council unveiled the bench yesterday, which is inscribed with a touching tribute to the comedian who died suddenly from an "acute cardiac event" at his home in Barnes, south-west London, following his morning run.

It reads: "In Memory of The Man, The Myth, The Legend".

(Picture: PA)

Fans of the late star flooded the corner of Queen Caroline Street and Hammersmith Bridge Road - close to where an unofficial blue plaque has been installed in memory of the actor - to watch the unveiling.

A tribute written by Nigel Planner, Rik's 'Young Ones' co-star was also read out to the crowd who could be heard singing along to the show's theme tune.