Contorversial shark-stuffer Damien Hirst capped off tributes to deceased potty mouth Bernard Manning today by announcing he is set to acquire the comedian's skull.
Hirst has been working on a series of decorated skulls, the Cranial Misery Sequence, and has recently sold Poofter's Bauble - the skull of an 18th Century Syphilitic soapdodger encrusted with £12.50 worth of diamantes - to popster George Michael for £50 million.
"I was never ashamed to laugh at Bernard," revealed Hirst, "I always felt I would be comfortable down the pub with him whereas with someone like Ben Elton . . .well, I won't say what I'd do to him."
Hirst plans to 'maggotise' Manning's skull - a process designed to speed up natural decay - and then cover it in chocolate.
"I'm considering a glacé cherry topping," said boozy Hirst, "and if you ask me what it all means I'll glacé you."
