Family and friends of TV star Michael Elphick, who died earlier this month, were gathering today for his funeral.

Celebrities from the world of the small screen are expected at the private cremation to be held in Elphick's home town of Chichester.

His mother Joan, 84, who still lives in Chichester, said she did not know exactly who would be present but confirmed friends from the acting world would be in attendance.

A spokeswoman for the BBC said some cast members from EastEnders - in which he appeared - might attend but could not give details.

Elphick, 55, who had an on-off battle with drink throughout his career, collapsed on September 7 and later died in hospital.

He was best known for his role in Boon, the light-hearted drama based in the West Midlands around two middle-aged ex-firemen, Ken Boon (Elphick) and Harry Crawford, played by David Daker.

But he also returned to the nation's living rooms recently as Harry Slater in EastEnders.

Elphick's character was forced to leave The Square in shame when it emerged he had fathered a daughter, Zoe, by his own niece, Kat Slater.

The cremation service is to be held at Chichester Crematorium in Westhampnett Road at 4pm followed by a wake at the nearby Nags Head pub.