BBC presenter Lauren Laverne has withdrawn from this year’s Glastonbury coverage following the death of her mother, Celia, on Friday. The 44-year-old Desert Island Discs host announced the news on Instagram, describing her mother as 'the kindest, most compassionate and most tenacious person' she had ever met.
In a heartfelt tribute, Laverne recalled her mother’s remarkable life: from passing her 11-plus and attending grammar school, to running the only reggae club night in the North East, working as a seamstress and casino dancer to fund her college education, and eventually becoming a teacher and city councillor. She also mentioned her mother’s political activism, including protesting at Greenham Common and chasing a BNP member from their garden.
Laverne wrote that her mother was a devoted grandmother who had just given her grandchildren their Glastonbury spending money and was looking forward to watching Paul McCartney perform. 'Mam, I love you forever. Thank you for my fantastic life,' she added. The presenter was inundated with messages of support from celebrities including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Clara Amfo and Fearne Cotton.
Laverne’s father passed away in 2018. The BBC’s Glastonbury coverage will now be fronted by Jo Whiley, Cerys Matthews and Jack Saunders.
