Bert Newton shocked fans by removing his wig yesterday to honour his late friend and co-host Don Lane.

The public memorial service for Lane, who died last month from a dementia-related illness aged 75, was held at Souths Juniors club in Kingsford, Sydney.

In his speech, Newton said that he would miss Lane "for the rest of my life" and removed his toupee. He then added, "This is now named PJ", in tribute to Lane's son.

PJ, a pro-basketballer-turned-entertainer, later sang 'They're Playing Our Song' to the large audience. He described his father as "unique, not just as a performer but as a person as well - he was such a larger-than-life personality and someone I was proud to call my dad".

Singer Helen Reddy also performed at the service for the first time in seven years.