‘Four candles’ in memory of comedy’s little big man

Service: Tributes to Ronnie Corbett at Westminster Abbey

Stars and fans paid tribute to 5ft 1in comedy giant Ronnie Corbett at Westminster Abbey yesterday when four candles, referencing the famous sketch, were placed “centre stage”.

Dame Barbara Windsor, actress Joanna Lumley, comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, Stephen Fry, Ben Elton, Graham Norton, David Walliams and Sir Bruce Forsyth’s wife, Lady Wilnelia Forsyth, were among those who attended the packed service of thanksgiving.

Corbett’s trademark armchair, from which he would deliver his monologue on The Two Ronnies, was placed in the Abbey in his memory.

After a procession through the Abbey, four candles were laid out behind the chair in an “oblique” reference to the duo’s famous sketch.

The joke, as well as the class satire, which debuted on The Frost Report, and Mastermind skit were played to the congregation.

Fans heard Corbett and comedy partner Ronnie Barker’s famous sign-off: “It’s goodnight from me ... and it’s goodnight from him.”

Comedian Tarbuck gave a moving tribute to the entertainer, who died in March last year aged 85, saying: “Ronnie was a poet of comedy and when a poet dies he leaves us with the laughter.”

Despite his short stature, the pintsized star was “10ft in comedic talent”, he added.

The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster gave thanks to the “comic genius that gave immeasurable joy to countless people” at the packed service.

Comedy star Rob Brydon became tearful as he recalled his friendship and golfing partnership with Corbett.

The pair became firm friends after Corbett visited Brydon backstage.

“In these horribly dark and troubled times he’s brought us all together ... We will never forget you,” he said.

Anne Hart, Corbett’s widow, was at the service, while actress Penelope Keith represented the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duchess of York represented the Duke of York.

Corbett became a household name as part of The Two Ronnies, with the late Barker.

The show, which pulled in up to 22 million viewers and was famous for its four candles sketch, ran for 16 years on the BBC.

Pictures: Getty/PA. Left: Ronnie Corbett’s widow, Anne Hart, and family members attend the service. Top: Rob Brydon recalled his friendship with the comedian, right.

Pictures: Getty/PA. Clockwise, from top left: Robert Lindsay, Tim Brook-Taylor, Penelope Keith, Peter Bowles, the famous chair, Greg Dyke, Richard Wilson and Nicholas Parsons.