Stars from Coronation Street were among hundreds who attended the funeral of Altrincham PR manager Martyn Hett, who was one of those killed in the Manchester Arena attack last month.
Kym Marsh, Jennie McAlpine, Antony Cotton were among those who attended today’s service at Stockport Town Hall.
#Martynhett funeral. White plumes, horses and a coffin covered in a montage of pictures#bemoremartyn #exitlikeadiva pic.twitter.com/1Y5nEsNGkm
— Frazer Maude (@frazeratsky) June 30, 2017
He was laid to rest in a coffin adorned with the faces of his soap heroes – including his favourite Deirdre Barlow, of whom he had a tattoo on his leg – as well as his cat, Emily Bishop.
His coffin arrived at church in a white carriage pulled by two horses, as Martyn had requested, and was accompanied into the church by Beautiful by Mariah Carey, another of Martyn’s heroes.
The American singer also recorded a video message, in which she said that “I just wanted to say that I love you and I’m so happy that we got a chance to meet and I know you’re shining down on us from heaven”.
Mourners had been asked to dress “in black with something fabulous” and his family had said the service was to “celebrate Martyn’s life”. Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus gave Martyn’s euology, and video messages from Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and comedian Jason Manford were also played.
Martyn’s dad, Paul, said his son’s life had been a “long rollercoaster ride”, adding: “You never knew where it would take you or what was round that corner, but you couldn’t wait for it to happen.
“His comic timing was perfect. He would have gone on to achieve the most amazing things, of that we have no doubt.
“In a very nice way, Martyn loved being in the limelight and the centre of attention. He would be loving every minute of this fantastic celebration of his life.”
Martyn had worked as digital manager for Rumpus PR, based on Woodlands Road in Altrincham, since 2013.
