The Hobbit actor and comedian grew up a Catholic but turned his back on religion as an adult, but he has been making frequent visits to church since the death of his friend Williams, who passed away in August (14).

He tells The Canadian Press, "He's got me going to church, the b**ger... I don't go and pray, I go and light a candle for him. And my sister died a couple of weeks ago, so I light two candles... It really appeals to me, the flame burning when you leave the building."

Connolly's sister Florence passed away in May (15), aged 74, and the comedian helped carry her coffin at the funeral.