Hundreds of Rik Mayall fans have taken to Twitter to pay their final respects to the late comedy star with a series of selfies using the hashtag #FlickForRik.
The trend took off at 2pm, the same time family and friends of the former University of Manchester student came together to attended the private funeral.
Around 140 people attended the service at St George’s Church in Dittisham, Devon, including Ruby Wax, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and The Young Ones co-star Nigel Planer to celebrate the life and career of the comedic genius.
After Mayall’s family asked fans for their ‘thoughts and prayers’ prior to the service, thousands logged into Twitter to take pictures of themselves striking the much loved foul mouthed actor’s famous hand gesture.
Today at 2pm is Rik Mayalls funeral. Please show your support take a selfie doing the ‘V’s’ in honour #FlickForRik pic.twitter.com/S4Sgr3j0F2
— Do The H (@DoTheH) June 19, 2014
Mayall, who died last week aged 56 at his home in south west London, was known for roles in TV hits such as Bottom, Blackadder, The New Statesman and his most popular role as poetry writing rebel Rick in The Young Ones.
The comedian, who collapsed following what his widow Barbara called an ‘acute cardiac event’, is expected to be given a memorial service in September.
Adrian Edmondson, with whom Mayall forged a friendship with while at university and later went on to be his comedy partner for many of his most memorable series, was among the pall-bearers as the coffin was led from the church.
Old friend and fellow University of Manchester alumni Ben Elton was also among the mourners who saw Mayall being carried into the church in a wicker coffin adorned with red flowers.
Guests filed out to the sounds of the Van Morrison hit Brown Eyed Girl.
Farewell to my childhood hero, I’ll miss you matey! #FlickForRik pic.twitter.com/mrkwhQjXLW
— l y n f o r (@lynfor) June 19, 2014
RIP my child hood hero , and legend . Comedy genius who will never be forgotten #FlickForRik pic.twitter.com/4ueZdRPCYn
— Sian Hill (@sianpontyhill) June 19, 2014
R.I.P to the comedy legend that is Rik Mayall #FlickForRik pic.twitter.com/OIEoN0kvxE
— Tom Meakin (@tameakin86) June 19, 2014
I’ll make sure my kids are bought up on drop dead Fred and bottom like me love you!! #RIPRikMayall #FlickForRik pic.twitter.com/KC3TuIVQEi
— jenny brennan (@jenbren060) June 19, 2014
My #FlickForRik you made me cry laughing, enjoyed watching everything you was in. Thoughts to your family & friends x pic.twitter.com/oCti1G2mdh
— Heres2Health (@Heres2healthbiz) June 19, 2014
Image courtesy of Tim de Vries, via Youtube, with thanks
