The BBC's media correspondent Nick Higham looks back at the life of Sir Dirk Bogarde

Brock Van den Bogaerde said Ms Bacall had been the last friend to see the 78-year-old star before he suffered a fatal heart attack at his London home on Saturday night.

"She told me they shared a raucous and wonderful day together, and that does make things easier," he said.

"I have heard from friends and colleagues all over the world and the general message was that he was a friend who will be deeply missed."

Queen 'saddened'

Although Sir Dirk, one of the biggest stars of 20th Century British cinema, once publicly claimed his will said "no funeral, no memorial service ... just forget me", it appeared he had allowed for those closest to him to say a final goodbye.

"There will be a small, family funeral with no flowers and donations to the British Diabetic Association, in accordance with his wishes" said Mr Van den Bogaerde.

Lauren Bacall was the last friend to see Sir Dirk

The date and location had yet to be decided, he added.

Tributes to Sir Dirk poured in on Sunday, with British film director Michael Winner and Glenda Jackson, the government minister and former actress, among those who praised the former 1950s matinée idol.

And a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said the Queen would be "saddened" to hear of Sir Dirk's death.

Mr Winner said he was a "gracious, charming" man who was the first "star" he had ever met.

"People forget that Dirk Bogarde was the male hero of Britain for about 20 years.

"Every girl in the country was in love with him. He was the UK's Leonardo DiCaprio of his day," he said.

"He was a glamour actor who could turn in a great character performance as well and his longevity was simply astounding.

Michael Winner: "He was the male hero of Britain"

"Towards the end he did become a bit of a recluse but he kept active in the mind.

"They don't grow them like that now - it's a very sad day."

Ms Jackson described Sir Dirk as Britain's "first home-grown film star" who made some "remarkable" films.

She said: "I'm desperately sorry that he's died. I worked with him and I regarded him as a friend, although I have not seen him for quite some time."

Mr Van der Bogaerde said: "He was extremely happy and looking forward to events like his 80th birthday and many plans for the future.

Glenda Jackson: "He was the first home-grown British film star"

"I m sure there is not a better way to go."

Sir Dirk made his acting debut in 1949 and carved out a niche in the 1950s with a succession of romantic leads in dramas and light comedies, among them Doctor at Sea, with a young Brigitte Bardot.

In later life he enjoyed a successful second career writing novels and an autobiography.

Like Hollywood star Rock Hudson, his sexuality was at odds with his screen persona.

Relished fame

In 1960 the director Joseph Losey gave him a chance to play more serious parts - like The Servant, opposite James Fox.

In Victim, another Losey film, he openly played a homosexual: it was a breakthrough.

Glenda Jackson: "I regarded him as a friend"

Ten years later came perhaps his finest role, working with the Italian director Luchino Visconti on Death in Venice.

He played a dying composer obsessed with a beautiful boy in a city ravaged by cholera.

Sir Dirk, who anglicised his Dutch surname, relished his fame - in Europe he was revered as an actor as well as a star.

For 20 years he lived in a farmhouse in Provence, with his close companion Anthony Forwood. It was here he developed his writing skills.

His screen appearances became increasingly rare.

In These Foolish Things he played an exiled Englishman in France, facing death with, as he claimed, no regrets.

By then Sir Dirk had reluctantly returned to England.

He suffered a stroke in September 1996 and by May last year he needed 24-hour nursing. His family said his nurse had been with him when he died.