Television presenter Jeremy Beadle, best known for hosting ITV hits such as Beadle's About and You've Been Framed, has died suddenly at the age of 59. The beloved Saturday night host had been secretly battling chronic lymphocytic leukaemia since 2005, but had insisted the illness would not disrupt his life.
Beadle died on 30 January 2008 with his wife Sue and daughters Cassie and Bonnie by his bedside. It later emerged that he had contracted pneumonia, which proved fatal due to his compromised immune system. His agent Nick Canham said: 'It was a very serious bout of pneumonia and it proved too much for Jeremy's immune system. His family were with him when he died and are all devastated.'
Born in Hackney, East London, in April 1948, Beadle began his career in radio before moving to television. His big break came with Game For A Laugh in 1981, followed by Beadle's About (1987–1996) and You've Been Framed (1990–1997). Both ITV shows regularly attracted over 15 million viewers.
Despite being voted the most disliked celebrity on television at one point, colleagues remembered him as a kind and hardworking man. Executive producer Dianne Nelmes said: 'He was one of the most genuine, hard-working, lovely people I have ever worked with. Because of You've Been Framed and Beadle's About he had a reputation as someone who was forever playing tricks on people, but in reality he was the kindest person you could ever meet.'
Beadle also lived with Poland Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that stunted the growth of his right hand, and had a kidney tumour removed just 10 months before his death. He dedicated much of his life to fundraising for Children with Leukaemia, raising over £100 million for charity.
ITV paid tribute to Beadle by dedicating an episode of You've Been Framed to him on 2 February 2008, and broadcast a special tribute programme on 4 February 2008, featuring tributes from celebrity friends including Alan Sugar.
