A CHEPSTOW opera singer revealed the reason that a memorial service to legendary Welsh actor Victor Spinetti was delayed.

Karl Daymond, who was among the special guests to perform at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden in London on Tuesday, said comedian Ronnie Corbett got locked in the church toilet.

Mr Daymond, who has enjoyed a successful career singing as a principal baritone and worked closely with Spinetti in the Carl Rosa Opera Company’s production of The Merry Widow, said: “The service was delayed by a few minutes as Ronnie Corbett, who was doing one of the readings, got locked in the church loo.” He added: “The service was a moving tribute to a great chap, and one of the funniest afternoons I have spent.

“There were readings from Barbara Windsor, Jim Davidson, Barry Cryer, Rob Brydon, Michael Ball sang a Beatles song and Sir Paul McCartney paid an impromptu tribute.

“I sang one of the numbers from The Merry Widow with The Carl Rosa Company, a number I had performed with Victor many times.

“It was such an honour to be part of this tribute to a wonderfully talented, witty, warm and indiscreet of actors.” Mr Spinetti, was born in Ebbw Vale and died aged 82 in June this year. He was a comic actor, who appeared in dozens of films including three Beatles films in the 60s and many plays.

Mr Daymond said: “Victor was a wonderful colleague and it was a joy to play scenes with someone of his experience and talent. He starred in all The Beatles’ films and was a close friend of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

“The stories he told about his illustrious career were hilarious and heart-warming.

He was generous and kind-hearted.”