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Daily Record
Entertainment
Kirsten McStay

Lorraine Kelly pays tribute to pal Deborah James after attending her funeral

Lorraine Kelly has paid tribute to her friend Deborah James as she was laid to rest today.

The Scots TV presenter was among mourners who attended Deborah's funeral today to say goodbye to the beloved campaigner. Deborah who became known as Bowelbabe, sadly passed away last month aged 40 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016.

Close friends and family arrived at St Mary's Church in Barnes, south-west London, ahead of the service this afternoon and after the service, Lorraine took to social media to pay tribute to her dear friend.

Sharing a snap of Deborah during her No Butts campaign, Lorraine said: " @bowelbabe - my dear friend your funeral today was beautiful. Your children and your husband gave the most heartfelt and lovely tributes. You would have been so proud. I miss you - you fabulous, funny, passionate force of nature. #rebellioushope #love #checkyourpoo."

Many fans also paid tribute to her in the comments. One wrote: "Thinking of all her family and friends. #oneinamillion xxx." Whilst another added: "R.I.P Dame Debra."

Other stars who turned up to pay their respects were Tom and Giovanna Fletcher, Gaby Roslin, television personality Oliver Peyton and singer Natalie Rushdie. Mourners meanwhile could be seen carrying wreaths of beautiful white flowers into the ceremony with heartfelt messages from Deborah's loved ones.

Lorraine Kelly at the funeral of Dame Deborah James at St Mary's Church in Barnes. (PA)

The former deputy headteacher was diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 35-years-old and subsequently kept her nearly one million Instagram followers up to date with her treatments. The star lived life to the fullest in her final weeks after raising almost £7million in her BowelBabe fund.

The You, Me and the Big C podcast star didn't slow down in her final weeks and made the most of her time with husband Sebastien, and their two children, by her side. As well as drinking champagne with Prince William at her parents' pad when she was made a Dame, Deborah also rocked up at Ascot and Glyndebourne opera house - looking fabulous.

Sheet music and an order of service held by Natalie Rushdie as she attends the funeral of Dame Deborah James (Getty Images)

Ahead of the funeral, Deborah's brother Ben took to Instagram to pay tribute to his big sister. The siblings said a heartbreaking goodbye before her death, with Ben jetting off to the United States for his holiday at her insistence.

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