Eddie McGuire says he's 'deeply honoured' to read the eulogy at Bert Newton's state funeral

Australian TV legend Bert Newton will be laid to rest on Friday in a state funeral in Melbourne. 

Ahead of the event, Eddie McGuire has revealed that he is ‘deeply honoured’ to be delivering the eulogy on what will no doubt be an emotional day. 

‘I’m deeply honoured that Patti asked me to speak on her behalf, and that Bert was keen for me to do it,’ Eddie, 57, said in a statement to The Herald Sun. 

The highest honour: TV personality Eddie McGuire has told The Herald Sun he is ‘deeply honoured’ that Bert Newton’s family asked him to read the eulogy at his late friend’s state funeral in Melbourne on Friday. Pictured: Eddie McGuire (left) and Bert Newton (right) in 2006

‘I hope in the short time frame I’ve been allowed by the office of protocol, I do it justice for Bert’s family and friends,’ he added.

Bert will be farewelled at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday at 10am.   

The attendance list will be capped at 500 fully vaccinated guests, consisting of family, friends and colleagues – many personally invited by his wife Patti Newton. 

Patti has chosen the hymns and prayers for the service, according to The Herald Sun. 

Farewell to a master: ‘I hope in the short time frame I’ve been allowed by the office of protocol, I do it justice for Bert’s family and friends,’ Eddie added. Pictured, Eddie, the late Bert Newton and Richard Wilkins in 2005

Meanwhile, musical theatre star Rhonda Burchmore will read a passage from the Bible as part of the proceedings. 

Bert’s service is expected to a Catholic requiem mass and will stream live at Federation Square in Melbourne, and via the Victorian Government website. 

It will also air live on Channel 10, as well as Channel 9. 

Channel 10’s broadcast will feature a tribute to the Logie-winning entertainer beforehand in a special edition of Studio 10. 

Personal guest list: The attendance list will be capped at 500 fully vaccinated guests, consisting of family, friends and colleagues – many personally invited by his wife Patti Newton. Pictured, Melbourne ‘s St Patrick’s Cathedral

Bert died in palliative care at a Melbourne hospital on Saturday October at the age of 83.

The TV legend had a well publicised battle with illness over recent months. 

His funeral will have the entire Newton family in attendance with the exception of son Matthew. 

Matthew, who currently resides in New York, will have a personal message read out instead. 

Loss: Bert (right) died in palliative care at a Melbourne hospital on Saturday at the age of 83. The TV legend had a well publicised battle with illness over recent months