Dying to get on TV
Manning's wake to air on C4
A wake is to be held for Bernard Manning later this year.But the 77-year-old comic will not be in the coffin, but rather overseeing the eulogies for a Channel 4 show.
Dozens of celebrities have been lined up to pay tribute to the comic at the event in Manchester's Hilton Hotel on May 12.
Manning told the Manchester Evening News: ‘It was Channel 4's idea. They approached me and, though it seemed a little odd at first, I eventually decided “why not?”.
‘I've asked for the money up front, though - it's no use them putting a cheque in my coffin when the show is finally aired, is it?
‘I'm really looking forward to it - it's not everyone who gets the chance to actually remember their own wake, is it?
The TV show will see him be measured up for a coffin and choose the plot where he’d like to be buried.
Among those playing their respects at the charity wake will be Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, boxer Ricky Hatton, and old-school comics Roy Chubby Brown and Frank Carson.
Manning added: ‘It might be one of the last chances I get to collect all these famous people in the same room and slag them all off.’
Published: 25 Jan 2007
