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Rick Wakeman recalls 'best friend' and Dad's Army star Ian Lavender

Lee Wilkinson Rick Wakeman with Ian LavenderLee Wilkinson
Rick Wakeman met Ian Lavender on the Isle of Man in 1988

Rick Wakeman has shared memories of his "best friend" and Dad's Army star, Ian Lavender.

Lavender, who played Private Pike in the BBC comedy series, was the last surviving main cast member and died on 2 February.

His funeral was held at St Mary's Blessed Virgin Church in Woolpit, Suffolk, on Thursday.

Ex-Yes and solo keyboard wizard Wakeman said: "I'm very proud to have known him - he was a wonderful guy."

Shutterstock Ian LavenderShutterstock
Ian Lavender also appeared in BBC's Eastenders

Wakeman met Lavender in a hotel bar on the Isle of Man in 1988, while Lavender was performing in the play, Who Killed Agatha Christie?

"I said 'could I ask you a couple of questions about Dad's Army?' and he said 'yes, if I can ask you a couple of questions about music'. We've been friends ever since," said Wakeman.

"We would text each other or phone each other every day. I always look at my phone for another text from him - I'm going to miss that."

Wakeman described Lavender as an active and intelligent man, claiming he was the only person he knew who could complete the Times crossword every day in under five minutes.

"I saw him a couple of days before he passed away, which I was very pleased to do, and we held each other's hands and it was lovely," continued Wakeman.

Getty Images The cast of Dad's ArmyGetty Images
The unforgettable Dad's Army with Lavender, aka Pike, second from right

The funeral was attended by family, village residents and celebrities, including Alfie Boe, Graham Cole and Hugh Maynard.

"It was absolutely brilliant. There's no doubt Ian would have loved it - the church was packed," said Wakeman.

"It had a mixture of what I call light laughter, some sadness, a lot of tears, and respect and love. You couldn't ask for anything more of a funeral really."

Lavender's son Sam and Wakeman gave readings during the service, and Wakeman performed Bring Him Home with fellow musician Boe.

In recognition of the star, Wakeman said: "I would love to see a small memorial in the square in Woolpit. He loved that village and he loved the people there, and I think they loved him, too."

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