THE former partner of comedian Frankie Howerd died at his home near Axbridge on Friday.

THE former partner of comedian Frankie Howerd died at his home near Axbridge on Friday.

Dennis Heymer died aged 82 at Wavering Down House in Cross at 8.55am.

His last moments were video taped by a matron for his live-in lover and carer Chris Byrne.

But Chris has assured people that the video will never be released and was only viewed by him for his 'personal memories'.

Both Dennis and Frankie both believed they had past lives in Egypt, so Dennis will be cremated and then placed in a 6ft by 4ft replica of Tutankhamun's sarcophagus.

His ashes and urn will be placed in the coffin along with 16 personal items, the details of which will not be released by Mr Byrne.

The coffin will then be pulled by horses and taken to St Gregory's Church in Weare on Thursday for a full church service.

Afterwards, grieving friends will head to Wavering Down House for a wake.

Chris and Dennis often spoke of their funerals and Dennis even selected music for the service. In the church, Hey Big Spender by Shirley Bassey, Waterloo by Abba and I Did It My Way by Frank Sinatra will be played out on speakers.

Chris, aged 42, said: "The crematorium service will be held in the morning and will just be me and Dennis together. There will be security so no one can get in.

"When he died he was in my arms and he thanked me for everything I had done. I placed holy beads in his hand and whispered a prayer in his ear as he slipped away.

"His body will be left in the bedroom until Thursday and lots of friends have already been visiting.

"They can go up there, smoke and drink and do whatever they want. They chat to him and say their goodbyes. I know he can't hear them but it helps."

The coffin will then be buried in Frankie's grave in the village churchyard.

Dennis met the Carry On star in 1955 and remained a silent partner, keeping the relationship discreet and out of the limelight, as homosexuality was viewed as a scandalous 'illness' which could have ruined Frankie's career.

Among their celebrity friends, June Whitfield has telephoned to offer her condolences.