Kirstie Allsopp, the presenter of Location, Location, Location, has publicly criticised BAFTA over its tribute to the late Dame Penelope Keith, who died at the age of 86. The outspoken television personality took issue with the organisation's choice of language, arguing that the word 'death' should have been used instead of euphemisms.
BAFTA's Tribute and Allsopp's Response
Dame Penelope Keith's family announced on Monday that the beloved actress had died peacefully at her home in Surrey, surrounded by loved ones, after living with cancer. Following the news, BAFTA posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing sadness and highlighting her achievements: 'We're saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith, aged 86. A familiar face on stage and screen, Keith won a BAFTA for her iconic role in The Good Life in 1977 and another for her work in The Norman Conquests and Saving It For Albie in 1978, with a further three BAFTA nominations during her career.'
However, Kirstie Allsopp challenged the wording of the tribute, particularly the use of the word 'passing'. Replying to BAFTA's post, she wrote: 'It’s "death", Dame Penelope died, she was an absolute national treasure, she lived & worked and was brilliant and then she died. Dame Penelope did not "pass", she was not a car or a bottle of ketchup.' She added: 'Dame Penelope’s family issued a statement saying she had died, it’s not up to BAFTA or anyone else to change that to her having "passed" or any other euphemism.'
Public Reaction to Allsopp's Comments
While many agreed with Kirstie, some felt her tweet was unnecessary. One person replied: 'You need to stop posting for clicks and learn some language used around bereavement and those grieving. This was unnecessary.' Another user blasted: 'Are you serious...what an obscene post.' However, several people supported her comment. One responded: 'Yes why are we so afraid of the word death and even of death. Births and deaths. Pass is like passing a parcel at a party. Are we children afraid of getting the paper and not a present.'
Dame Penelope Keith's Legacy and Family Statement
The comments came after Dame Penelope's family announced her death. In a statement, they said: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years.' They added: 'The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.'
Dame Penelope was one of Britain's best-loved actresses, becoming a household name as Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life before going on to star in To the Manor Born. Her career also spanned theatre, television and documentaries, earning her widespread acclaim and a Damehood for services to drama and charity.
