EastEnders stars and fans mourn funnyman Reid

COMEDIAN and actor Mike Reid had the last laugh yesterday as mourners attended his funeral in their throngs.

The 67-year-old’s coffin was carried into Little Easton Parish Church, Essex, accompanied by his 1970s chart hit Ugly Duckling. His hearse, complete with a floral duck on the roof, arrived in a cortege. Dozens of his fans congregated outside to hear the service relayed on speakers.

Several past and present cast members of EastEnders — where Reid made his name as Frank Butcher — attended, including Barbara Windsor, June Brown, Pam St Clement, Sid Owen and Michael Greco.