Moving Manchester United tribute to Barney Moorhouse – as comedy star Justin’s son makes final journey
Comedy star Justin Moorhouse was supported by family, friends and a host of his Phoenix Nights co-stars in a moving tribute to son Barney with guests donning the colours of his beloved Manchester United
Comedy star Justin Moorhouse was joined by family and friends at Thornfield Park to celebrate the life of his son Barney Moorhouse who has died aged 28(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Football allegiances were put to one side as hundreds of mourners wore Manchester United scarves and shirts in a special tribute to comedy star Justin Moorhouse’s son Barney. Barney died, aged 28, in December and was a passionate United supporter with his dad.
Phoenix Nights star Justin arranged the special tribute to his son on Wednesday morning at Thornfield Park in Heaton Moor where Barney had previously run the popular Kaffeine and Co coffee van.
Baristas served up coffees and hot drinks from the vintage Citroen van, also adorned in United scarves, to the hundreds of mourners paying tribute at the park for an hour.
Justin had earlier announced the funeral plans for his beloved son on social media, saying: “Everyone is welcome and wanted – customers, friends, families, old pals, ex-colleagues etc.
Hundreds paid tribute to Barney Moorhouse, the son of comedian Justin Moorhouse at Thornfield Park, Heaton Moor on Wednesday(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We want it to be a celebration of him. We don’t want anyone to be hesitant about wondering if it’s appropriate to come – if you knew Barney and want to be there, we want you there.”
He added: “Barney wasn’t a formal person as you know so please dress as you feel comfortable. Barney loved United so if you’d like to bring a Manchester United scarf that would be a nice tribute.”
He ended by joking: “No other colours and definitely no half and half scarves.”
Justin, who also wore a United scarf, was supported by a host of his former castmates from the TV and comedy world, as well as Barney’s many friends and family as he prepared the emotional final farewell to his son.
Comedy star Steve Edge with Justin Moorhouse at the Thornfield Park tribute to Barney Moorhouse(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Paddy McGuinness, despite his Bolton Wanderers allegiances, donned a retro Manchester United shirt as a tribute to Barney as he headed to the park to join his fellow former Phoenix Nights co-stars including Steve Edge, Toby Foster and Steve Royle who donned a Red United scarf.
Former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay was also in attendance with drummer husband Steve White.
After the park tribute, mourners headed on to Manchester Crematorium at Southern Cemetery for the funeral service.
Phoenix Nights stars reunited – Paddy McGuinness, Steve Royle and Toby Foster – in honouring Barney Moorhouse(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Afterwards, Justin invited guests to attend legendary comedy club The Frog and Bucket on Oldham Street for an “afternoon of remembering, sharing stories, laughter and company.”
Instead of flowers, guests were invited to donate to Burnage Foodbank in honour of Barney.
Justin said: “Barney was a chef who loved food and cared deeply about being kind and helping others. Supporting our local foodbank feels like a natural way to reflect both of those things.
“Any donation, big or small, will help Burnage Foodbank support people in our community who need it most. Thank you for remembering Barney in this way.”
Mourners wore retro Manchester United scarves and colours to celebrate lifelong Red Barney.(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Justin announced the heartbreaking news of Barney’s death in a statement on his social media accounts on December 13, 2025.
Justin wrote at the time: “It is with the heaviest of hearts I have to tell you our beautiful boy Barney has passed away.
“Me, his mum and step mum, his sister, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and his gorgeous friends are besides ourselves with grief. I am consoling myself as much as I can knowing that he loved us all and knew we loved him.
“He was so happy, content and excited about the future. The sweetest, kindest soul.
“He just went to sleep and didn’t wake up.I can’t imagine how the next days and weeks will unfold but I know we are able to cope – love always helps. I am him and he is me.”
Paddy McGuinness wore a Man United top under his coat to honour Barney Moorhouse(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Justin also recorded a special edition of his podcast, About 30 minutes No More Than 45, which was released this week including all of Barney’s best contributions on the show.
Justin and Barney’s little sister Izzy shared the post with a colourful portrait of Barney created by Manchester artist Stan Chow in his memory.
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He said: “He had his own little name in the pod, he was called Justin Junior. This special edition of the podcast is a way of us getting back in, celebrating Barney’s life in the week that we will be celebrating Barney’s life at his funeral.”
An inquest has been open and adjourned into the cause of Barney’s death, with police previously stating there is no evidence of suspicious circumstances.
Red United scarves on Barney’s Kaffeine and Co van(Image: Manchester Evening News)
