Lorraine Kelly has paid tribute to her "dear friend" Dame Deborah James following her emotional funeral.

The journalist and broadcaster's farewell took place on Wednesday 20 July, in Barnes, London, and was attended by the ITV star, 62, along with a number of other famous faces.

Lorraine was pictured wearing a black shirt with pearl buttons and had styled her brunette hair down into a straight bob.

Following the service she took to Instagram to share a photo of the late Dame Deborah, also known as "Bowelbabe", alongside a caption which described her as a "passionate force of nature".

Lorraine wrote: "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."


She added: "#rebellioushope #love #checkyourpoo"

Dame Deborah died at the age of 40 after her five-year battle with bowel cancer.

On 9 May, she announced she had moved to end-of-life care, having already raised £7 million for charity.

She explained that despite all of her treatments, her body just wasn’t “playing ball”, and that she was receiving hospice care at her parents' house.

Tragically, on 28 June, her family shared a statement to say she had "passed away peacefully".


They wrote: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.

"Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives."

Dame Deborah was loved and respected by a number of well known celebrities. Also attending her funeral was fellow broadcaster Gaby Roslin, 58.

Gaby, who donned a pair of black heels with bows on them, styled her blonde mane down into loose waves and held onto a black clutch back as she walked towards St. Mary's Church.

Both she and Lorraine carried a wreath of white flowers, which had a note attached that read: “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.”

Giovanna and Tom Fletcher, both 37, were close behind as they held hands in support of one another while walking down the street.


McFly star Tom wore a simple black suit with a matching tie, while his wife donned a black wrap dress, which she paired with flat shoes.

Deborah's widowed husband Sebastien Bowen was photographed putting on a brave face as he walked alongside their two children, 14 year old son Hugo and daughter Eloise, 12, leading the procession during the funeral.

Sebastien wore a black suit, matching his son Hugo, who held his head down as he joined his family, while Eloise wore a black dress with a slit down on side.

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