THE FUNERAL of an actor and panto legend who lived in Isleworth is due to be held on Friday.

Gerard Kelly, who lived near Osterley Park, died at the West Middlesex Hospital on Thursday October 18 after a brain aneurysm.

The 51-year-old, originally from Scotland, appeared in many classic comedies such as City Lights, Rab C Nesbitt and Scotch and Wry. He also played serious roles, including villain Callum Finnegan in Brookside.

His funeral is being held at 10am on November 12 at St Aloysius' Church in Garnethill, Glasgow.

Following the service, the funeral procession will do a slow drive-past the King’s Theatre on Bath Street.

A close friend of Mr Kelly and husband of Coronation Street actress Kate Anthony, Gary Barak, said: "In January or early February, we will be organising a memorial service for Gerard, which will take place at the King's Theatre. This will be a fitting tribute to Gerard's life and organised by the family and closest friends who in time, will select the appropriate people to speak at the event."

Mr Barak said Mr Kelly was a very close family friend and "one of the kindest people you could ever meet".

Speaking shortly after his death, Mr Barak said: "It was very sudden and the kind of thing that could have happened to anyone. He was our closest family friend. He was a wonderful caring man, one of the most famous people in Scotland, but he was very private and loved his life in Hounslow and Isleworth."