EastEnders stars and drag queens will join hundreds of mourners for the funeral of a man adored in the world of showbusiness.

Phil Starr was hugely popular with audiences and fellow performers. His funeral in Brighton on Sunday is expected to attract large crowds, joining a spectacular funeral cortege.

Instead of dressing in the traditional black, mourners have been asked to wear an array of bright colours to pay tribute to an entertainer who was known for his flamboyance.

The 73-year-old had performed as a drag queen for more than 50 years. He was friends with actresses such as June Brown and Hilda Braid, Eastenders' Dot Branning and Nana Moon, who are both expected to attend the service.

Paul O'Grady, otherwise known as Lily Savage, paid tribute to Phil on the Paul O'Grady Show on ITV1. The presenter called Phil "the master of showbusiness".

Friend Brian Ralfe, of The Drive, Hove, plans to say a few words at the service.

Guests will be asked to sing some of Phil's favourite songs, including his trademark The Old Bazaar in Cairo.

Mr Ralfe said: "I knew him for 25 years. We are hoping hundreds and hundreds of people will come. We are asking everybody to be dressed in nice colours."

Phil died on October 17 at home in Starrs Hotel in New Steine. He had recently taken over the running of the hotel and bar.

The funeral procession will leave the hotel at 19 New Steine at 11.20am and will travel through Marine Parade and Madeira Place to St Mary's Church in St James's Street for a service at midday.

There will be a cremation at Woodvale Crematorium at 1.30pm. Afterwards there will be a wake at R-bar in Marine Parade.

Phil was known for his performances at Legends, where he was the first on the stage when the bar opened 14 years ago. He played his last show there on October 16.

Friends plan to stage a tribute night in the Brighton Dome on Sunday, January 29.

Phil, born James Arthur Fuller, raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Flowers or donations in his name to The Sussex Beacon or Shoreham Dog Trust can be sent to Teresa Baker, Caring Lady Funeral Director, 155 Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 3LG or call 01273 626326.