DENNIS Waterman paid a tearful tribute to his former Minder co-star George Cole at the late actor’s funeral today.
Cole, who died last week aged 90, is best remembered for playing dodgy dealer Arthur Daley in the classic ITV series alongside Waterman (bodyguard Terry McCann).
Today Cole’s coffin entered Reading Crematorium in Berkshire to the show’s theme tune I Could Be So Good for You, which became a hit for Waterman.
Delivering the eulogy, Waterman, 67, who saw Cole the day before he died, described him as the “most liked man in the entire profession”.
Speaking to a crowd of 200 guests, Waterman said: “I was lucky enough to spend the Tuesday with him before he died.
“His wit hadn’t left him at all, most of his weight had but his wit was still there.
“People are always asking me for anecdotes.
“Working with George was an anecdote. It was non-stop. We laughed all day long, every day.
“I can’t understand or bear to think how the family feel because I know how we feel.
“It’s a wonderful day I suppose but a horrible one. Personally I would rather be doing Hamlet with no rehearsals than this.”
Speaking after the service, which was also attended by Patrick Malahide, who played Sgt Chisholm in Minder, Waterman said: “He was just the most popular person in showbiz and the nicest and the best.
“He was happiest when he was at home, when he was getting a few winners, and with his family and in his garden.”
Cole died in hospital after a short illness with his family at his side on August 5.
Born in 1925, he was adopted as a baby and grew up in Morden, South London, before being taken in by comedy star Alastair Sim who gave the youngster his first telly break.
The actor appeared alongside Laurence Olivier in 1943 film The Demi-Paradise before serving his country between 1943 and 1947.
His other notable appearances included Cleopatra in 1963 alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.