More than 2,000 people packed York Minster today to celebrate the life of former Countdown host Richard Whiteley.
His co-host Carol Vorderman led the tributes to Whiteley, who died aged 61 in June following a heart operation.
Vorderman, who struggled to hold back her emotions at one point told the congregation that Whiteley was a unique man.
''We loved him not because he was smooth but because he wore truly bad jackets, deafening ties and jokes that were so bad jokes only Richard could tell,'' she said.
''He was the best company you could possibly wish for. When you were with him every time you were with him you laughed.''
Celebrities from the world of entertainment, including opera diva Lesley Garrett, Alan Whicker and comedian Jo Brand, packed the historic cathedral for the service.
A mass choir of 60 choristers from Giggleswick School, which Whiteley attended from the age of 13, also performed.
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