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Paul Elliott paid tribute to Linda Nolan at her funeral (Image: Getty Images)
Chuckle brother Paul Elliott paid tribute to Linda Nolan at her funeral on Saturday (February 1).
The comedian, 77, who performed in a number of pantomimes with Linda over the years, attended the service at St Paul’s Church to bid a final farewell to his late friend.
Linda died at the age of 65 on January 15 following a lengthy battle with cancer. The Nolans singer passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after contracting double pneumonia.
Hundreds of people gathered in the star's hometown of Blackpool to lay Linda to rest, with Paul amongst those mourning the loss of the Irish TV personality.
Paul gave an emotional speech about Linda outside of the church, saying the "world will be a darker place without Linda".
Paul joined mourners in bidding a final farewell to Linda (Image: PA)
Paul had been friends with Linda for more than 40 years (Image: Instagram/Paul Elliott)
Paul recalled their fondest memories from 40 years of friendship, adding that "we used to enjoy our life" together.
He continued: "She was just a wonderful person. We always got on well. I last saw her in March, April time last year. Came over to see her in Stanley Park [in Blackpool] for lunch, our favourite place, a café in the park."
Paul added: "She was just a fun, bubbly person. The world is a darker place without her."
The TV star smiled as he recalled working with Linda in the 1980s, saying: "We had adjoining dressing rooms, Barry [Paul's late brother] and I and Linda and Brian [Hudson].
'We had the door open all the time with a table in between with drinks on it. We just used to enjoy our life. I still do... and shame that Linda can't anymore."
Paul previously paid tribute to Linda on Instagram after learning of her death.
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Linda was laid to rest at St Paul's Church, the same place she married Brian Hudson in 1981 (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
"Just read the devastating news that our beautiful friend Linda Nolan has sadly passed," he wrote. "Sending love to family and friends at this very sad time... we have many memories of over 40 years and cherish them all."
Despite admitting that his heart was broken, Paul took comfort in the thought that Linda was now with Brian, her husband of 26 years.
Linda and Brian tied the knot at St Paul's Church in 1981.
A heartwarming photograph of the couple on their wedding day, their smiling faces pressed together, is prominently featured in the Linda's Order of Service. Brian's funeral was also held at the church following his death from liver failure in 2007.
"St Paul's Church holds a deeply special place in Linda's heart," shared her manager and close friend Dermot McNamara. "Now, Linda will return to this sacred place to be reunited with Brian once more, finally at peace and back in his loving embrace."
English (US) ·