An impression of Dale Winton has been axed from panel show ‘The Imitation Game’ following his death.
The ‘Supermarket Sweep’ star passed away from natural causes in April at the age of 62 and team captain Rory Bremner revealed that a segment with an impression of Dale had been filmed for the ITV show but was cut after his death.
He told The Sun: "There’s an impression of Dale Winton but we had to sadly cut it out. We play a game called ‘Celebrity Zoo’ and panellists have to describe Snail Winton.
"But it was recorded a while ago and so far we’ve been quite fortunate with any other deaths. It would help to keep it topical but this was an exceptional summer because of the World Cup."
Dale was laid to rest the month after his passing on what would have been his 63rd birthday, in a touching ceremony which was attended by several celebrities including Piers Morgan, Gloria Hunniford, Christopher Biggins, Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Tony Blackburn, Anthea Turner, and Vanessa Feltz.
Taking to Twitter after the funeral, Piers wrote: "Wonderful service to celebrate the extraordinary life of Dale Winton. Plenty of fun amid the sadness, just as he would have wanted. RIP Dale, you brightened up a lot of lives on & off screen. (sic)"
David and Martine McCutcheon both gave readings at the Humanist service, and boy band Blue and Claire Sweeney performed.
Claire sang Cilla Black’s song ‘Alfie’ and the Dusty Springfield hit ‘Going Back’, while Blue – comprised of Duncan James, Lee Ryan, Simon Webbe and Antony Costa – performed their tune ‘One Love’.
Afterwards, Duncan wrote on Twitter: "Was such a honour to of sung with my boys today for #dalewinton funeral. He was such an amazing and gorgeous man inside and out who will be truly missed. RIP Dale Xxx (sic)"
Following his passing, radio DJ Steve Allen admitted he felt "quite happy" for the TV legend, claiming the presenter had not been "in a good place" for a while, but would be enjoying the outpouring of love for him following his passing.
He said: "He didn’t like the ageing process. He used to say to me ‘I’ve had enough’ and I used to say ‘Oh, you’ve got loads of things’.
"I’m actually quite happy for him. I know that sounds quite bizarre and I should explain. I don’t think he’d been in a good place for a long, long time. He would be so thrilled at the coverage.
"I feel happy for him that he’s in a place now where he’s probably going to be eternally young. He won’t age any more."
‘The Imitation’ game airs on ITV on September 2 at 10.05pm.
Dale Winton impression axed from The Imitation Game
