Rik Mayall Bottom bench unveiled by fans near original Hammersmith site of BBC sitcom

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

Re-enactors thump each other on recreation of bench loved by Rik Mayall

Fans of Rik Mayall and Bottom have unveiled a shiny new version of the bench where the comedian and actor and his co-star in the sitcom, Adrian Edmondson, once exchanged blows in the opening sequences of the sweary show.

Hammersmith Borough Council has replaced the bench, which Mayall lamented the removal of before his death in June. He called it "one of the greatest pieces of art ever taken".

The ceremony was attended by an army of fans. Two impersonators of the legendary BBC characters, Eddie and Richie, took to the bench to recreate the introductory scene, in Mayall punches Edmondson's character in the groin after being attacked with a rolled-up newspaper.

Devotees provided flowers, party poppers, streamers and memorabilia relating to Mayall's career.

Follow memorialrik on Twitter and the Rik Mayall Memorial Bench group on Facebook.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

Pics: Matthew Chattle, matthewchattle.com.

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Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/art50639-rik-mayall-bottom-bench-unveiled-by-fans-near-original-site-of-bbc-sitcom-in-hammersmith