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ABSOLUTELY Fabulous stars honour TV pal June Whitfield’s wish to “remember me with a smile” at her funeral yesterday.

Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders and Julia Sawalha were among those bidding a fond farewell to the TV veteran three weeks after she died at the age of 93.

Joanna Lumley outside the funeral this afternoon
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Joanna Lumley outside the funeral this afternoonCredit: Peter Jordan

Also paying tribute were comedian Roy Hudd, broadcaster Gyles Brandreth and TV star Nerys Hughes.

Hudd, 82, told mourners: “She was that rare bird, a goody that looked magical.

“I had a 35-year comedy course from the very best.”

The order of service, above, bore Dame June’s married name and featured a photo with her late husband Tim Aitchison.

Jennifer Saunders said of June: 'She was so loved and I will miss her hugely'
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Jennifer Saunders said of June: 'She was so loved and I will miss her hugely'Credit: Press Association

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Their daughter Suzy Quinn asked mourners to wear bright colours at All Hallows Church in Tillington, West Sussex.

Addressing her mum’s wicker casket, she said: “I am happy you passed away peacefully in your sleep, as you wanted, and now you are going to rest with Dad.

“No one could have written your final exit better — no one could have written you better.”

Dame June Whitfield is being laid to rest today after passing away at the age of 93 last month
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Dame June Whitfield is being laid to rest today after passing away at the age of 93 last monthCredit: Rex Features
The service allowed friends, family and TV colleagues to celebrate her incredible life
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The service allowed friends, family and TV colleagues to celebrate her incredible lifeCredit: Peter Jordan - The Sun
Julia Sawalha, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley leaving the funeral
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Julia Sawalha, Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley leaving the funeralCredit: PA:Press Association
Mourners will today pay respects to the life of Dame June
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Mourners will today pay respects to the life of Dame JuneCredit: Peter Jordan - The Sun
From left: Jennifer Saunders with June Whitfield, Joanna Lumley and Julia Sawalha
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From left: Jennifer Saunders with June Whitfield, Joanna Lumley and Julia SawalhaCredit: BBC
June's daughter Suzy, far left, arriving at the service
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June's daughter Suzy, far left, arriving at the serviceCredit: Peter Jordan
Comedian Roy Hudd, who starred alongside June in BBC Radio 2's The News Huddlines
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Comedian Roy Hudd, who starred alongside June in BBC Radio 2's The News HuddlinesCredit: Peter Jordan
Gyles Bradreth, who first worked with June in 1971 and last spoke to her on Christmas Eve
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Gyles Bradreth, who first worked with June in 1971 and last spoke to her on Christmas EveCredit: Press Association
Welsh actress Nerys Hughes arriving at the funeral
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Welsh actress Nerys Hughes arriving at the funeralCredit: Press Association
Flowers outside the church in Tillington
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Flowers outside the church in TillingtonCredit: Peter Jordan - The Sun
Comic actress and Absolutely Fabulous legend Dame June Whitfield has died aged 93

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