Lord Jeffrey Archer, one of Britain's most famous authors, died "suddenly and peacefully at his home between writing sessions" on Monday, just days after making an impassioned plea about prostate cancer. The 86-year-old had appeared on BBC Breakfast a week earlier to discuss his health, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013.
During the interview with BBC host Jon Kay, Archer urged "macho men" to get their prostate checked. He was discussing his final book, Adam And Eve, which is set for release in October to coincide with the 50th anniversary of his career as a novelist.
Archer's cancer battle and PSA warning
Kay referenced Archer's candid comments about the mental and physical effects of his treatment, noting that BBC Breakfast had heard from many people who had been through similar experiences, including Sir Chris Hoy. The Olympic cyclist revealed in 2024 that his prostate cancer had spread to his bones, giving him between two and four years to live.
Archer, a former MP, called Hoy a "great man" before sharing his own advice: "I've been very aware of how lucky I am. I say to anybody listening - go to your doctor and check your PSA [Prostate Specific Antigen]." He added: "There are too many stupid men who say, 'Oh no, I'm a macho guy, I don't do that sort of thing, I won't be checking my PSA'. Check your PSA."
Archer was diagnosed with prostate cancer after a routine blood test revealed a slightly high PSA level. A biopsy confirmed the cancer, and he underwent a four-hour operation to remove his prostate. Writing in The Mail on Sunday about his recovery, he recalled having to wear "large nappies" and feeling like he had "become a baby again".
Final interview and retirement jokes
When asked how he was doing, Archer said he was "fine" and demonstrated his good health by swiftly getting up from his chair and sitting back down. Telling Kay he was 86, he joked that the movement was one of his "big exercises of the day". Kay chuckled, prompting Archer to quip: "Don't laugh, Jon, it'll come to you!"
Asked what retirement would look like now that he had written his final novel, Archer joked: "I shall not be retiring, you clearly haven't been listening to a word that's said to you, Jon!" When Kay pointed out he was "semi-retiring", Archer admitted: "I suppose it is. I hadn't thought of it that way. You've caught me, Jon. I'll be pathetic." Kay suggested Adam And Eve would not be his last novel, to which Archer replied: "No, sir. But you can interview me when I do."
Final events and tributes
The Second World War epic love story is still scheduled for release this month, according to publisher Harper Collins. Archer is survived by his wife, Dame Mary Archer, and their two sons, having celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
Harper Collins said Archer had met and signed books for hundreds of fans at a sold-out event with broadcaster Gyles Brandreth at the Leicester Square Theatre in central London on Sunday. Writing on X, Brandreth said: "Just yesterday I did a show with Jeffrey Archer to celebrate his new novel – he said it was to be his last. He was in the most wonderful, ebullient form and had such a great reception from a packed house. He was funny, engaging and self-deprecating – a great storyteller to the last."
Archer was due to be at the Cheltenham Festival on Saturday to discuss Adam And Eve.
