Lorraine Kelly on ITV and Dame Deborah James
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Dame Deborah James’ funeral was ‘beautiful’, reveals Lorraine Kelly

The ITV presenter led the stars at Deborah's funeral

Dame Deborah James’ funeral was “beautiful”, Lorraine Kelly has revealed in a touching tribute.

The presenter has opened up about attending Deborah’s funeral today alongside the late star’s husband and children.

Mum-of-two Deborah lost her battle with bowel cancer last month, aged just 40.

On Wednesday, her close friends and family gathered to pay their respects and say goodbye to the star.

Dame Deborah James on ITV lorraine before her death
Deborah James’ funeral was held today, and her husband and closest friends gathered to say goodbye (Credit: ITV)

Dame Deborah James funeral

A note attached to the wreath on Deborah’s coffin said: “Deborah, thank you to our extraordinary friend. You together with Seb, Eloise and Hugo are such an important part of our family, we will love and miss you forever.”

Lorraine took to Instagram following the funeral to share her thoughts on the ceremony.

She revealed that Deborah’s husband and children all paid tribute to the wife and mother.

Dame Deborah James smiling during Lorraine interview
Deborah died last month following her battle with bowel cancer (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Dame Deborah James’ children pay emotional tribute to their beloved mum at her funeral

“@bowelbabe – my dear friend your funeral today was beautiful. Your children and your husband gave the most heartfelt and lovely tributes,” wrote the star.

Lorraine went on to confess that she misses Deborah, adding: “You would have been so proud. I miss you – you fabulous, funny, passionate force of nature. #rebellioushope #love #checkyourpoo.”

Lorraine Kelly on the red carpet smiling at an ITV event
Lorraine Kelly was close with Deborah James (Credit: Splashnews)

Deborah James’ family

Deborah’s brother Ben took to Instagram to pay tribute to his late sister.

In a touching post, he wrote: “Big sis, Debs. Thank you for teaching me how to live life to the full since the day I was born – you made me find that life worth enjoying!

“Saying bye is never going to be easy, but knowing you achieved more than any of us could ever dream of… and so, so much more… makes it that little bit more bearable. Your legacy will go on forever and we’ll do our very best to make you proud.”

Read more: Dame Deborah James’ poignant comment about her funeral revealed by close friend following her death

In her final weeks, Deborah was awarded a damehood by Prince William.

The Duke of Cambridge paid a visit to her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, where they enjoyed afternoon tea together.

Sadly, Deborah lost her battle with cancer on June 28. According to her family at the time, she died peacefully surrounded by those closest to her.

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If you’ve been touched by Deborah’s story, you can contribute to her JustGiving fund here.

Head to our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and share your condolences.

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