Family say 'all are welcome'

The funeral of musical comedian and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jason Wood is to be held in Bedfordshire, on March 15.

He died in his sleep on Saturday, at the age of just 38, and the cause of death has not yet been determined.

His funeral service will be held at 2pm at Mary’s Church, Manor Road, Lower Sundon, Bedfordshire with a reception straight afterwards at Kents Athletic Club, Tenby Drive. And his family say all are welcome.

Flowers should be sent to Neville Funeral Service, Service, Neville House, Marsh Road, Leagrave, Luton LU3 2RZ

Wood’s agents Hannah Chambers and Sophie Church have issued a statement saying: ‘Not only was Jason a client we loved working with in a professional capacity he was also a very dear friend and one of the most kind hearted and warm people you could meet.

‘He had a very strong belief in positive thinking and would always have a smile and a joke for you. He was an inspiring and individual performer who believed that “variety” was the spice of life and whose wind-ups were legendary.

‘His singing voice and audacious comedy would make us scream laughing. He was a truly original & memorable performer as well as being a genuinely caring person. We shall miss him terribly.’

Wood started his career in cabaret with the tribute act Cher Travesty, before moving on to the comedy circuit, where he quickly became a regular headliner. He performed around the world and was working on material to take to Las Vegas at the time of his death,

He reached a wider audience when he appeared on the first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, alongside Natasha Kaplinski. He held the dubious honour of being the first person ever voted off the show.

Wood made his Edinburgh debut in 2001, but in 2006 his Fringe show received a damning one-star review by The Scotsman newspaper, but rather than be disheartened he proudly produced flashes for his posters saying: 'A star – The Scotsman.’

In 2008, he starred in Living TV's The Underdog Show, which revolved around dog training, while his previous appearances include BBC One primetime show 29 Minutes Of Fame and the hidden camera show, Spy TV.

Published: 25 Feb 2010