The catchphrase “It’s Crackerjack” has been called out by hundreds of mourners during the church funeral of DJ Ed “Stewpot” Stewart.
Celebrities including Mike Read, Carry On actress Anita Harris, Bobby Davro, John Virgo and DJ Adrian Juste were among those who attended the service for the former DJ and Crackerjack presenter at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth, Dorset.
The 74-year-old father of two, who had four grandchildren, died on January 9 after suffering a stroke.
Mark Carolan, the husband of Ed’s daughter Francesca, led the mourners with a rendition of the presenter’s catchphrase: “It’s Friday, it’s five to five, it’s Crackerjack!”
He added: “Simple words that many millions remember him by, but a select few remember him for so much more than that, how positive he was about everything in life.”
Reading a eulogy from the family, Mr Carolan added: “You are a true legend, your legacy will live on, your passion and love now lives on through all your grandchildren.”
Ed’s 10-year-old granddaughter Kenza Carolan also paid tribute and said: “He would make us laugh, life was an adventure every day.”
There was also a valediction by the Grand Order of the Water Rats – an entertainment industry fraternity – of which Ed was a member.
The service began with the song Morningtown Ride by The Seekers and ended with the congregation singing You’ll Never Walk Alone, during which someone called out Ed’s signature sign-off, “Byeee!” as the coffin was carried out.
Speaking after the service, his sister, Sue Mainwaring, said: “It was brilliant, I just can’t believe how many people were there. It was such a shock he had that massive stroke.
“People would say he was very mean but he bought me my first horse, he’s not mean. He loved being in the limelight, he was very loyal to his family.”
Ed was one of the first presenters on Radio 1 when it was launched in 1967. The following year, he began presenting children’s show Junior Choice, which became his trademark radio show.
On television, Devon-born Ed was best known for children’s favourite Crackerjack. He hosted the show from 1973 to 1979.
He presented a Christmas edition of Junior Choice for BBC Radio 2 in 2015 and was credited with discovering Noel Edmonds.
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