Football and Soap Icons Mourned
In January, the family of former Wales midfielder and manager Terry Yorath announced he had died after a short illness. The 75-year-old made 199 appearances for Leeds United from 1967 and earned 59 caps for Wales, later managing the national side, Swansea City and Cardiff City. He was father to Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan and three other children; his family said: "To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel."
Derek Martin, known for playing Charlie Slater in EastEnders, died on January 10 at the age of 92. He played the role from 2000 to 2011, with a final guest appearance in 2016. His representative Sharon Henry confirmed: "It is with great sadness that I can confirm that our beloved client Derek Martin passed away on January 10 2026. For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film. Derek was a devoted father, a generous member of the charitable Water Rats, avid golfer and all-around good man who will be greatly missed."
Fashion and Film Farewells
Valentino Garavani, the Italian designer who founded the luxury fashion house Valentino in 1960, died peacefully at his home in Rome on January 19, aged 93. He studied in Paris before moving to Rome and setting up his label, becoming one of the most influential fashion designers of the past 60 years.
Canadian actress Catherine O'Hara died early this year after a brief illness, according to her agency. The Emmy-winning star, who rose to fame with the Second City improv troupe in Toronto alongside Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner and Eugene Levy, was known for films such as Beetlejuice and Martin Scorsese's After Hours, and later won hearts as Kate McCallister in Home Alone and Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek.
Snooker and Screen Losses
Snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo died on February 4 at his family home in Spain, aged 79. He won the 1979 UK Championship, the 1980 Bombay International and the 1984 Professional Snooker League during an 18-year playing career before spending nearly 30 years in broadcasting. In January he had been part of the pundit team for the Masters. World Snooker Tour said: "Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV."
James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson's Creek, died on February 11 at the age of 48. His wife Kimberly announced: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come." He had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023 and shared his diagnosis publicly in November 2024. His other film credits included Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, The Big Bang and Labour Day.
Hollywood Legends Remembered
Robert Duvall, star of The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and Tender Mercies, died on February 16 at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, aged 95. His wife Luciana said: "Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything." During a career spanning more than 60 years, he won an Academy Award, a BAFTA, four Golden Globes and two Primetime Emmys.
Eric Dane, who played Dr Mark Sloan in Grey's Anatomy, died on February 20 following a courageous battle with ALS. Diagnosed in 2025, he continued working, and his last role was Cal Jacobs in Euphoria. His family said: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world." Dane also recorded an emotional interview, published by Netflix after his death.
Actors and Rock Stars Lost
Disney star Robert Carradine, best known as the TV dad in Lizzie McGuire, died on February 24. His family confirmed his death in a statement to Deadline: "It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away. In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him. We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby's valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder. We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness." He had earlier appeared in Revenge of the Nerds, Escape from L.A. and The Big Red One, and made his film debut in 1972's The Cowboys opposite John Wayne.
Phil Campbell, guitarist with Motorhead from 1984 to 2015, died on March 14. The Pontypridd rocker formed Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons with his three sons after Motorhead disbanded. His family announced his death after a "long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation". Motorhead released 24 studio albums, including hits such as Ace of Spades and Hellraiser.
Reality Star and Action Hero Deaths
Former TOWIE and Ex on the Beach star Jordan Wright died on March 14 at the age of 33. His body was found in a drainage canal in Phuket, Thailand, after CCTV showed him running down a quiet street looking over his shoulder. A friend said Wright had been suffering with his mental health, including episodes of paranoia and psychosis, and investigators said there were no signs of physical assault or a struggle.
Action star Chuck Norris died on March 19 at the age of 86 after a sudden medical emergency in Hawaii. His family confirmed he died "surrounded by his family and at peace" and asked for privacy. The Walker, Texas Ranger star held black belts in karate, taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo.
Buffy Star and OnlyFans CEO
Nicholas Brendon, best known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Criminal Minds, died on March 20 at the age of 54. His family said he passed in his sleep of natural causes: "We are heartbroken to share the passing of our brother and son, Nicholas Brendon. He passed in his sleep of natural causes. Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art. Nicky loved to share his enthusiastic talent with his family, friends and fans. He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was. Our family asks for privacy during this time as we grieve his loss and celebrate the life of a man who lived with intensity, imagination, and heart."
Leonid Radvinsky, the Ukrainian owner of OnlyFans parent Fenix International, died on March 23 at the age of 43. The London-based company said he died "peacefully after a long battle with cancer". The businessman made $1.9m a day after buying the company in 2018 and was in talks to sell OnlyFans at an $8bn valuation.
Reality Expert and Racehorse Tributes
Married at First Sight expert Mel Schilling died on March 24 at the age of 54. Her husband Gareth Brisbane said: "Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love. This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 - and nailed both. This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming." She had revealed in March that she had been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in December 2023.
Elite racehorse Sir Gino, a six-year-old Grade One-winning star, was put to sleep on March 24 after failing to recover from infections following a fractured pelvis sustained at Cheltenham in January. Trainer Nicky Henderson said: "We have very sadly lost the battle to overcome Sir Gino's ailment and he has had to be put to sleep at the veterinary hospital this morning. He has been fighting from severe deep-seated infections that he had overcome last year prior to his brilliant return in the Christmas Hurdle but this time it had spread too far although his fractured pelvis was healing well."
Olympic Trailblazer and French Star
Mary Rand, the first British woman to win Olympic gold in athletics, died on March 27 at the age of 86. British Athletics called her a "trailblazer". Rand won gold in the long jump at Tokyo 1964, setting a world record of 6.76m, and also took silver in the pentathlon and bronze in the 4x100m relay at the same Games, a feat not matched by another British woman until Emma Finucane in Paris 2024.
French actress Nathalie Baye died on April 17 at her home in Paris at the age of 77. She had been living with Lewy body dementia. Her film credits included Day for Night, Catch Me If You Can, It's Only the End of the World and Downton Abbey: A New Era, in which she played Madame de Montmirail.
Reality TV and Travel Presenter Losses
Jake Hall, who appeared on The Only Way Is Essex from 2015, died on May 6 at a holiday villa in Majorca at the age of 35. He sustained serious head injuries after colliding with a glass door. A provisional inquest into the father's death has been set for December 2026. Hall had built a fashion empire with By Jake Hall after his previous brand, Prévu Studio, was liquidated.
Travel presenter Judith Chalmers died on May 22 at the age of 90 after living with Alzheimer's disease. She presented Wish You Were Here...? and had a career that began when she was 13, later hosting Woman's Hour and Family Favourites. Her husband Neil Durden-Smith was a sports commentator and her son Mark is a TV presenter.
Music and Stage Tributes
Singer Lauren Bennett, known for Party Rock Anthem with LMFAO, died on May 29 at an address in Meopham. Her former bandmates in GRL paid tribute: "It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren. Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved." Bennett first found fame with The Paradiso Girls in 2007 and relaunched her solo career with the single Hurricane.
Cardiff-born actor Owain Rhys Davies died at the age of 44. His brother Rhodri shared the news on June 2, saying there were "unanswered questions" but that his understanding at this stage was that Owain passed "suddenly, naturally, and peacefully". Davies appeared in Twin Peaks: The Return and Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass, plus West End productions including Mamma Mia!, The Wizard of Oz, By Jeeves and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Royal National Theatre.
Buffy Actor and Artist Farewells
Anthony Head, known for playing Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died on June 5. His daughters Emily and Daisy announced he died "peacefully of complications due to pneumonia, surrounded by his family". The London-born actor also appeared in Ted Lasso, Merlin and Little Britain, and had a notable West End career including Chess, The Rocky Horror Show and Love in Idleness.
Artist David Hockney died on June 12 at the age of 88, with his passing described as "peaceful". The Bradford-born painter, considered one of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, was known for works including The Splash, Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) and Henry Geldzahler And Christopher Scott, which sold for £23.1m, £70m and £37.7m respectively. He experimented across painting, drawing, printmaking, watercolours and photography.
Musician and Couple's Tragic Deaths
Oliver Tree, the American singer-songwriter, died on June 14 in a two-aircraft helicopter crash over Rio de Janeiro. He was 32. Also killed were five other passengers and two pilots. Tree had begun his first world tour on May 30 and was on his way to a show. He was known for hits including When I'm Down and his debut album Ugly Is Beautiful, which featured RIAA gold and platinum singles.
Paul Avery and his wife Sheila died in a house fire at their property in the early hours of June 16. Paul, known for roles in All My Children, Superman, Soap and Three's Company, and Sheila were found unconscious but died shortly after firefighters performed CPR. Their daughter Kyle confirmed their deaths and thanked the Blairstown Fire Department.
Actress and Journalist Remembered
Dame Penelope Keith, star of The Good Life and To the Manor Born, died on June 29 at the age of 86 after a battle with cancer. She won a Bafta for Best Comedy Performer for her role as Margo Leadbetter, and To the Manor Born drew audiences of more than 20 million. From 2000 she focused on theatre, and a rose was named in her honour in 1984.
Trevor Fishlock, the renowned reporter, author and broadcaster, died on July 3 at the age of 85. ITV Cymru Wales announced his death, calling him a "first class journalist and hugely talented broadcaster". Born in Hereford in 1941, he moved to Cardiff as a correspondent for The Times and reported from more than 60 countries over 17 years, winning foreign reporter of the year at the 1982 Press Awards and international reporter of the year in 1986.
Welsh Singing Legend and Politician
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer known for Total Eclipse of the Heart, died on July 9 in hospital in Portugal. Her family said: "Bonnie's family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for. We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy." Tyler had been taken to hospital in Faro for emergency intestinal surgery and placed in an induced coma. Her hits included It's a Heartache, and Total Eclipse of the Heart sold over 13 million copies worldwide.
Former Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe died on July 8. A man has been charged with her murder. Widdecombe served as MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010 and later as a Brexit Party/Reform UK MEP for South West England. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
World Cup Star and Jurassic Park Actor
South African footballer Jayden Adams died at the age of 25, two weeks after playing in all three group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup as his nation reached the knockout rounds for the first time. Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie paid tribute: "It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams. South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international." Police are investigating the circumstances.
Sam Neill, star of Jurassic Park, died on Monday July 13. His family said his death was "sudden and unexpected": "Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss." The New Zealand actor had announced in 2023 that he was in remission from blood cancer. His career included The Piano, Event Horizon, Peaky Blinders and The Tudors.
Broadcaster, Football Legend and Comedian
Broadcaster Edward Stourton died on Saturday July 18, aged 68, beside his family. The BBC announced his death; he had previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Stourton hosted Radio 4's Today programme for almost 10 years, as well as One O'Clock News, Any Questions, Radio 4's Sunday and Panorama.
Kevin Keegan, the English football legend, died on July 20 at the age of 75, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Keegan, who won two Ballon d'Or awards and earned 63 caps for England, had been undergoing treatment for cancer after being admitted to hospital with abdominal symptoms. He played for Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Bill Oddie, the comedian and wildlife presenter, died on July 27 at the age of 85. His agent David Foster announced his death, calling him "the country's best-loved birder": "Bill was a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist. Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment." Oddie found fame in The Goodies before hosting Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Birding With Bill Oddie and Bill Oddie Goes Wild.
