Theo Burrell, the beloved Antiques Roadshow expert, has died at the age of 39, her family confirmed in a heartfelt statement. The BBC star passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Family Announces Tragic Loss
In an Instagram post accompanied by a photo of Burrell cuddling a puppy, her family wrote: "It is with great sadness that I share the news that Theo passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday afternoon. Neither she nor her medical team foresaw this happening quite so quickly. She was an incredible person who fought hard for her family, friends and raising awareness of this cruel disease." The tribute noted that Burrell was able to witness her son's first day at school and got married in March 2026, experiencing "a wedding that a little over four years ago we thought she'd never see."
Brain Cancer Diagnosis and Advocacy
Burrell was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma in June 2022. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, a scan in December 2024 revealed the cancer had returned. Just two weeks before her death, she shared on Instagram that she had been given a prognosis of 12 to 18 months at the time of diagnosis. She wrote: "If you're in the brain cancer world along with me - you're not alone and we've just got to take it slowly but surely - every day we make is a bit of a win for us and a 'GET LOST!' to the illness!"
After her diagnosis, Burrell became an advocate for Brain Tumour Research. The charity's CEO, Dan Knowles, paid tribute, calling her "phenomenal, determined and truly inspiring." He added: "She was always very open about her prognosis and knew from the outset her cancer was terminal, but she was absolutely determined to make a difference for others." The Brain Tumour Charity also posted: "We are devastated to hear this. Theo was an incredible voice within the community, raising vital awareness on the urgent need to improve the lives of those affected by this disease."
Fans and Colleagues Pay Tribute
Fans and followers expressed their grief online. One wrote: "Theo was such a beautiful person inside and out and such an inspiration to me." Another said: "Irreplaceable and an enormous inspiration to everyone around her. Theo will be massively missed." A third commented: "I am heartbroken for you all, Theo was such a ray of sunshine to all of us suffering from this disease - she gave (and continues to give) us all hope."
Personal Life and Legacy
Burrell joined the Antiques Roadshow team in 2018. She is survived by her partner of 13 years, Alex, whom she married in an intimate ceremony in Edinburgh in March 2026. The couple share a son, Jonah, who was just 19 months old when Burrell received her initial diagnosis.
