Sir Ken Dodd is to be buried with two tickling sticks as a tribute to his iconic stage show.
Sir Ken Dodd
The legendary comedian and variety show entertainer - who died on March 11 aged 90 - is to be remembered by family, friends and fans at his funeral on Wednesday (28.03.18), and he will reportedly be buried with his trademark colourful feather duster stage props.
A friend told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "[Ken should have] a prop with him if he has to put on a show for the big man in heaven."
Ken's funeral in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, is to be a celebration of his life, and thousands of fans are expected to line the streets as a horse-drawn hearse makes its way to Liverpool Cathedral.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: "Ken was the ultimate showman, a truly unique performer and a wonderful ambassador for Liverpool.
"Although Wednesday will be a sombre occasion, it is an opportunity for us all to pay tribute to such an unforgettable man and I can think of nothing more fitting than huge crowds lining the streets for his final act.
"The hundreds of messages in the Book of Condolence is a small indication of just how much Ken was loved and meant to the people of this city, and I'm sure Anne and the family will be incredibly moved when they read them.
"There will never be another comedian like Ken, his passing marks the end of an era in British entertainment and I'm sure he'll be tickled that the city will be putting on such a show in his honour."
Ken passed away at his home in Liverpool - the same house in which he grew up - after being released from hospital following six weeks of treatment for a chest infection.
The entertainer married Anne, his partner of 40 years, earlier this month, and she says he taught her that she'll always feel his presence beyond the grave.
Anne recently said: "Ken had a wonderful life, I just didn't want it to end.
"He used to say to people who told him they have lost a loved one, 'you haven't lost them, they'll always be with you', tapping his heart. And I keep telling myself that."