Oscar-nominated actor Pete Postlethwaite was buried in secret during a ceremony attended by just a handful of friends and family, it emerged today.
The star, who died on January 2 of cancer age 64, was laid to rest at a church near his home in Bishop’s Castle, Shrops., on Saturday.
His vicar cousin, Father Nick Postlethwaite, led the service which was kept under wraps to prevent it becoming a media scrum.
He said: ”Pete was a very private man and his funeral reflected that.
”There will be other opportunities for the wider community to pay tribute to him in the fullness of time.”
A public memorial is planned for the Brassed Off star in London on February 16, when stars, including ex-lover Julie Walters, are expected to attend.
The star – dubbed ”the best actor in the world” by director Steven Spielberg – has just been nominated for a Best Supporting Actor BAFTA for his performance as a crime boss in Boston-drama The Town.