The Sun pays tribute to the stars who are no longer with us

FANS across the world have bid farewell to some of their favourite stars who have sadly passed away this year.

Here we take a moment to reflect on the celebrities who have passed away so far in 2024 and celebrate the remarkable lives they led.

Which celebrities died in November 2024?

June Spencer

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June died at the age of 105
June Rosalind Spencer CBE was an English actress who was best known for her role as Peggy Woolley in the BBC Radio 4 soap opera The Arches.

The actress joined the radio show in 1950 and she remained on the show for 70 years.

Peggy passed away at the age of 105 on November 8, 2024.

Trevor Sorbie

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Trevor revealed his terminal cancer diagnosis on This MorningCredit: Rex Features
The beloved celebrity hairstylist Trevor Sorbie passed away on November 8, 2024.

He was known for creating the iconic hairdos for stars including Kylie Minogue, Adam Ant and Annie Lennox.

His most famous creation was the wedge hairstyle which was a popular alternative style in the 1970s and 1980s.

He revealed in October 2024 that he had been given three months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Trevor sadly died just a month later.

He is survived by his wife Carole and his daughter Jade.

Georgina Cooper

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Georgina was known for her iconic lookCredit: Getty Images
Georgina Cooper was one of the British models who defined the look of Cool Britannia in the 1990s.

The London-born model, who was known as the “original gap toothed girl”, appeared on the cover of The Face and even American Vogue.

She said that the Cool Britannia era was “very cool as it was very much about being yourself”.

The beloved model sadly died on November 8, 2024, on the island of Kos.

She was staying on the island with her husband Nigel, whom she had married just a year earlier.

John Dempsey

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John was one of the most beloved members of Chelsea FCCredit: PA Media
John was a Chelsea FC defender who spent nine years with the club from 1969 until 1978.

The team took home the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in back-to-back seasons for the Blues.

He sadly died on November 5, 2024, at the age of 78.

Janey Godley

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Janey had a long career in comedy
Janey was an award-winning Scottish commediane who sadly passed away from cancer on November 2, 2024, at the age of 63.

She had gone viral for her voice overs of Nicola Sturgeon’s pandemic news briefings.

The star described her comedic philosophy before her tragic death.

She said: “If you find the humour you can deal with anything.

“I’ve made death, child abuse and domestic violence funny. And it can be done. It’s all about taking the audience with you.”

Janey was also the author of several hit books such as Nothing Left Unsaid.

Which celebrities died in October 2024?

Ken Macaulay

Ken Macaulay was a Scottish rugby hero who passed away on October 28, 2024.

The star died hours after a 1,020 mile bike ride for charity at the age of 66.

In a statement, his distraught family said: “We’re so proud of him but overwhelmed by his loss at the same time.”

Liam Payne

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Liam Payne was in one of the biggest bands in the worldCredit: Getty Images
Liam Payne was one of the five members of one of the world’s biggest boybands: One Direction.

The singer, known for his smash solo hits Strip That Down and Teardrops, sadly passed away after he fell from a balcony in Buenos Aires.

All four of his former bandmates paid tribute to him on social media, eight years after the band broke up.

His death on October 16, 2024, came as a shock to many leading fans across the world holding vigils for the singer.

Geoff Capes

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Geoff appeared on the World’s Strongest ManCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Geoff Capes was a British shot putter and strongman who passed away on October 23, 2024.

He shot to fame in the 1980s and appeared on hit TV shows including the World’s Strongest Man.

At one point in his career, he was six feet and six inches tall and weighed 365 pounds.

His death, in hospital, was confirmed by his son Lewis.

Paul Di’Anno

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Paul Di’Anno helped create one of Iron Maiden’s greatest albumCredit: Getty Images
Paul Di’Anno was the lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden from 1978 until 1981.

The band’s 1980 self-titled album is considered a staple of the heavy metal genre and became a reference point for emerging artists.

Eventually, he was replaced with Bruce Dickinson who remains the band’s lead singer as of November 2024.

A crowdfunder was launched in January 2021 to help raise money for Paul’s knee surgery, which Iron Maiden contributed to.

Sadly, he passed away at the age of 66 on October 21, 2024.

Peter Cormack

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Peter played for Liverpool during one of their greatest decades
Peter was a Liverpool FC legend who played for the team in the 1970s.

He was born in Edinburgh before signing up for the north-western team.

Bill Shankly, the star Liverpool manager, described Peter as “the final piece of the jigsaw”.

Peter became an integral part of the team, which went on to win the UEFA Cup and the League Championship.

The footballer passed away on October 11, 2024, at the age of 78.

George Baldock

George was just 31-years-old when he diedCredit: Getty Images
George was a Premier League star who was sadly found dead at his home, at the age of 31.

He was a defender for Sheffield United before playing for the Greek team Panathinaikos.

The star footballer was known for his fiercely competitive attitude.

He once told the Sheffield Star: “Since I came to this club, I quickly realised that the tougher the opposition, the more you had to find a way to get an edge over your opponent.

“I just love winning. I hate losing and I even hate drawing.”

George sadly passed away on October 9, 2024.

Jake Abraham

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Jake (left) starred in a popular Guy Ritchie film
Jake Abraham was a British actor from Liverpool who passed away on October 1, 2023.

He was well known for his role in the 1998 Guy Ritchie film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Jake also appeared in Mean Machine in 2001.

Sadly, Jake passed away from prostate cancer at the age of 56.

Which celebrities died in September 2024?

Maggie Smith

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Maggie Smith had one of the most celebrated careers in filmCredit: Reuters
The beloved British actress Maggie Smith sadly passed away on September 27, 2024, at the age of 89.

She was best known for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and for her time on Downton Abbey as Violet Crawley.

The actress also had a long and celebrated career on stage.

Maggie is survived by her two sons, Chris and Toby, who are both actors too.

Clive Everton

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Clive Everton stayed at the BBC for 30 yearsCredit: AFP-Getty
Clive Everton was a legendary BBC snooker commentator who passed away at the age of 87.

He worked for the BBC for more than 30 years, after joining the corportation in the 1970s.

When he passed away on September 27, 2024, tributes to the commentator began to flood in.

The World Snooker Tour described him as “one of snooker’s greatest ever commentators and voice of the sport.”

The snooker commentator Dave Hendon said: “The Voice of Snooker is silent now but will forever be remembered by the sport he loved.

“A giant of broadcasting and journalism. A much valued colleague and friend. We all owe him so much.”

James Darren

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Actor James Darren died at age 88Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Actor James Darren, known for his roles in Gidget and Star Trek, died at 88.

His son Jim confirmed that his father died at a Los Angeles hospital on September 3.

He told Variety that his dad had the opportunity to express his love for his family before his passing.

Jim also revealed that his father was being treated in the hospital’s cardiac unit.

“He was a good man. He was very talented,” he said.

“He was forever young.”

Which celebrities died in August 2024?

Fatman Scoop

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Rap legend Fatman Scoop died at 53Credit: Getty
Rapper and hip-hop legend Fatman Scoop died after tragically collapsing on stage August 30.

His family shared the touching tribute on his official Instagram page.

“It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop,” the family’s statement read.

“Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life. FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend.

“He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage.”

Phil Donahue

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Iconic TV host Phil Donahue passed away on August 18, 2024Credit: Getty
Legendary television host Phil Donahue died at the age of 88 on the evening of Sunday, August 18, 2024.

The longtime TV host passed away after battling a long illness, his family confirmed the the following day.

Phil died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas.

Thomas posted a heartfelt goodbye to her late husband on Instagram shortly after the news broke.

“As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you’ve been sharing,” Thomas wrote.

Graham Thorpe

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Graham Thorpe took his own lifeCredit: PA
England cricket hero Graham Thorpe passed away on August 4.

The sportsman died after he took his own life.

Graham’s grieving wife Amanda told The Times: “Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better.

“He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him.”

Charles Cyphers

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Charles Cyphers, died at the age of 85 from a brief illnessCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Halloween star Charles Cyphers died at the age of 85 on August 4.

His manager, Chris Roe, confirmed that the actor had a brief illness.

Chris told Variety: “Charles was a lovable and sensitive man.

“He always had the best stories, and you got a full performance while he told you.

“He was a close friend and client of many years who will be dearly missed.”

Charles played Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the 1978 Halloween film.

M*A*S*H and The Hunger Games star Donald Sutherland dies at 88 after a long illness just months before memoir release

Which celebrities died in July 2024?

Janet Andrewartha

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Neighbours actress Janet Andrewartha died aged 72Credit: BBC
Neighbours legend Janet Andrewartha died aged 72 on July 27.

Janet was best known for her role as Lyn Scully in the hit Australian soap from 1999 to 2006.

The actress also starred as Reb Keane in Prisoner: Cell Block H.

Bill Arthur

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Sky Sports announced rugby league commentator Bill Arthur had passed awayCredit: Alamy
Iconic sports commentator Bill Arthur died at the age of 68 on July 24.

Sky Sports said the former rugby league commentator had passed away following a long battle with prostate cancer.

Ysanne Churchman

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The Archers star Ysanne Churchman died at the age of 99Credit: Alamy
The Archers star Ysanne Churchman died at the age of 99 after a career spanning 50 years.

The actress, who voiced Grace Archer in the Radio 4 drama in the 1950s, died peacefully at home on July 4, a statement from the BBC on behalf of her family said.

Which celebrities died in June 2024?

Donald Sutherland

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Donald Sutherland died aged 88Credit: PA
Legendary actor Donald Sutherland died at the age of 88 on June 20.

He was best known for parts in The Dirty Dozen, M*A*S*H, and most recently as President Snow in The Hunger Games series.

Sutherland was a father of five, including Emmy Award-winning actor Kiefer, veteran CAA Media Finance executive Roeg, actors Angus and Rossif, and daughter Rachel.

Dario G

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Paul Spencer was part of Dario G, famous for their World Cup anthemCredit: Zuma Press
Dario G star Paul Spencer died on June 17 at the age of 53 following a cancer diagnosis.

The 90s pop legend was best known for debut single Sunchyme which reached number two in the UK Singles Chart.

Paul announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, he had been diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer in June 2023.

Kevin Campbell

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Kevin Campbell died at the age of 54Credit: The Times
Arsenal and Everton legend Kevin Campbell died aged 54 after a short illness on June 15.

Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.

During his time at the Gunners he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Matija Sarkic

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Wolverhampton Wanderers’ goalkeeper Matija Sarkic suddenly passed away at the age of 26Credit: AP
Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic tragically passed away aged just 26 on June 15.

The nine-cap Montenegro star reportedly fell ill while on international duty in the town of Budva.

Nicholas Ball

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Nicholas Ball was known for playing gang lord Terry Bates in EastEnders between 2007 and 2009Credit: The Sun
EastEnders actor Nicholas Ball was 78 when he died on June 6.

Ball had only recently filmed the rural-set drama The Kingdom By The Sea, opposite Coronation Street actress Rula Lenska.

He died after a battle with a short illness.

Michael Mosley

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Michael Mosley’s body was found after days of searchingCredit: BBC / AP
TV doctor Michael Mosley’s wife Clare tragically confirmed her “brilliant” and “wonderful” husband had been found dead after a five-day search.

The beloved broadcaster – who died on June 5 – body was discovered behind a coastal bar on the Greek island of Symi.

Mystery had surrounded his vanishing after the 67-year-old left Clare and two close friends on the beach of Saint Nikolas to go for a walk.

Rob Burrow

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Rob Burrow sadly passed away after a long battle with ALSCredit: Getty Images
Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season rugby league career.

The former rugby player, 14, passed away peacefully on June 2 at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home surrounded by his loving family.

The small but mighty rugby icon played his entire career with Leeds Rhinos and scooped eight Super League titles.

Which celebrities died in May 2024?

Morgan Spurlock

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Super Size Me was nominated for an Oscar in 2004Credit: AP
Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, the mastermind behind the Oscar-nominated documentary Super Size Me, died at age 53 on May 24.

The documentary followed Spurlock for 30 days, during which he ate McDonald’s every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

By the end of the experiment, the then-32-year-old Spurlock claimed he had gained 25 pounds, saw a spike in his cholesterol level, and suffered from depression and liver dysfunction.

Sam Rubin 

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This Morning star Sam Rubin died suddenly in MayCredit: Rex
This Morning entertainment reporter Sam Rubin died on May 10.

The TV star, 64, who was also a longtime anchor for KTLA news in the States, suffered a fatal heart attack.

Bernard Hill

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Titanic star Bernard Hill died aged 79Credit: Alamy
Titanic and Lord of the Rings star Bernard Hill sadly died aged 79.

The actor, who also featured in stand-out hits like Boys from the Black Stuff and Gandhi, passed away on May 5.

Susan Buckner 

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Susan Buckner, right, played Olivia Newton-John’s gal pal in Grease
Grease film star Susan Buckner died at the age of 72 on May 2.

The actress gained fame playing Patty Simcox, the perky cheerleader pal of Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy in the movie musical.

Her family revealed Susan died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Miami.

Which celebrities died in April 2024?

Luke Fleurs

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The South African player was fatally injured in AprilCredit: Getty Images
South African footballer Luke Fleurs, 24, was tragically killed on April 3, after reportedly being shot dead in a botched carjacking.

The Kaizer Chiefs defender was allegedly fatally wounded during the shocking attempt in the Florida region of Gauteng, ten miles west of Johannesburg.

Adrian Schiller

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Adrian Schiller was known for playing various historical charactersCredit: PA
Adrian Schiller died “suddenly and unexpectedly,” at the age of 60 on April 3.

The Brit was best known for playing Aethelhelm in the historical series The Last Kingdom and Cornelius Penge in the ITV series Victoria.

Stefano Cherchi

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Stefano Cherchi died two weeks after a serious fallCredit: PA
Jockey Stefano Cherchi tragically died aged 23 on April 3, after a terrible fall left him with a head injury and internal bleeding.

The Sardinian rider, best known in Britain for recording winners under trainer Marco Botti, had been racing in Australia.

His fall was labelled a “freak accident” by legendary rider Kieren Fallon, whose daughter, Brittany, he was dating.

Brian McCardie

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Actor Brian McCardie tragically diedCredit: Getty
Line of Duty star Brian McCardie “suddenly” died at home aged just 59.

The actor was best known for playing John Thomas “Tommy” Hunter in the BBC drama.

Brian died after suffering a tear in a major artery to his heart, his family have revealed.

Terry Carter

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Terry Carter died at the age of 95Credit: Getty
Battlestar Galactica star Terry Carter died at the age of 95 on April 23.

In the mid-1950s, Terry was the first Black actor to be a series regular on a sitcom series.

He portrayed Private Sugarman on The Phil Silvers Show for 92 episodes from 1955-1959.

James Laurenson

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James Laurenson died aged 84Credit: ITV/Shutterstock
Coronation Street and The Crown star James Laurenson died aged 84 after a stellar five-decade career on April 18.

In 1970 he made television history in Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II as Piers Gaveston, performing tele’s first gay kiss with Sir Ian McKellen.

Sir Ian once said kissing James, who was not gay, “was a bonus throughout the run”.

Vincent Friell

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Vincent Friell sadly passed awayCredit: BBC
Trainspotting star Vincent Friell died aged 64.

The Glasgow-born star shot to fame as Will, one-half of the tour-bus robbing Edinburgh duo in the legendary film Restless Natives.

He also went on to star as Diane’s father in the iconic film Trainspotting.

Which celebrities died in March 2024?

Chance Perdomo

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Chance Perdomo got his major acting break on Netflix.Credit: xCAP / PLFx
On March 29, 2024, representatives for rising star Chance Perdomo announced that the After actor had tragically passed away at just 27 years old.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star was reportedly involved in a motorcycle accident, resulting in his death.

George Gilbey

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Tributes poured in for George GilbeyCredit: Rex
Gogglebox star George Gilbey tragically died after ‘falling from a height’ aged just 40.

Touching tributes poured in for the beloved TV personality, whose devastated mum has been left “in bits”.

The star died while working on a warehouse on March 27, with cops confirming his cause of death in the hours that followed.

Samantha Davis

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Warwick Davis paid tribute to his wife SamanthaCredit: getty
Warwick Davis’ wife Samantha died aged 53, on March 24..

The couple met on the set of the movie Willow in 1988 and married three years later.

Jim Beard

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Jim Beard died at the age of 63 fCredit: Facebook/Jim Beard
Jim Beard, the keyboardist for Steely Dan, passed away at the age of 63.

The musician died on March 2 in a New York City hospital due to complications from a sudden illness.

Which celebrities died in February 2024?

Dave Myers

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Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers died aged 66Credit: Alamy
Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers sadly passed away on February 28.

The beloved TV chef had battled cancer since 2022, bravely updating fans about his illness.

Dave found fame alongside Si King, his friend of 30 years, as part of the motorcycle-riding cooking duo.

John Savident

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John Savident was a much-loved Corrie starCredit: PA:Press Association
Beloved Coronation Street star John Savident died at the age of 86.

The actor was known for his booming voice while playing butcher Fred Elliott on the ITV soap.

Pamela Salem

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Bond star Pamela Salem died at the age of 80Credit: Alamy
James Bond star Pamela Salem died aged 80 on February 21.

The much-loved actress played Miss Moneypenny alongside Sean Connery in the 007 film Never Say Never Again.

Pamela also appeared in EastEnders, Doctor Who, ER and The West Wing over her long career.

Robin Windsor

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Robin Windsor passed away aged just 44Credit: Rex
Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor died aged 44 on February 20.

The professional dancer finished runner-up in the 2012 series of the hit BBC show with actress Lisa Riley.

Robin first appeared on the BBC series with Patsy Kensit in 2010, reaching week nine of the competition, before being eliminated at the same stage with EastEnders legend Anita Dobson two years later.

Ewen MacIntosh

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The actor played Big Keith on The OfficeCredit: BBC
The Office star Ewen MacIntosh tragically died aged 50 on February 19.

The comedian played Kevin Bishop in the UK version of the classic sitcom starring Ricky Gervais.

Ewen’s portrayal of the deadpan accountant was praised for a string of comedy moments – including dressing as Ali G.

Steve Wright

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Steve Wright tragically passed away aged 69Credit: BBC
BBC Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright tragically died aged 69 on February 12, after bringing joy to listeners for more than 40 years.

The veteran DJ presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon and fronted Top of the Pops.

He also presented the popular Sunday Love Songs mid-morning show on Radio 2.

Henry Fambrough

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Legendary Motown singer Henry Fambrough died aged 85Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Legendary Motown singer Henry Fambrough “died peacefully” at his home at the age of 85 on February 7.

The star was the last surviving original member of the hit group The Spinners.

Henry’s death came just months after The Spinners was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Michael Jayston

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Michael Jayston died aged 88 after a ‘short illness’Credit: EPO Online
Only Fools and Horses star Michael Jayston died aged 88 after a “short illness”.

He played Raquel’s father in Only Fools and starred as Valeyard, the Doctor’s dark side, in Doctor Who.

He also made appearances in EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Toby Keith

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Toby Keith died after battling cancerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Legendary country star Toby Keith, 62, was surrounded by his family when he died on February 5.

Keith revealed in June 2022 that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and had been receiving chemotherapy and other treatments.

The musician was known for the tracks Should’ve Been A Cowboy, Red Solo Cup, Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue, You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This, Beer for My Horses, and I Love This Bar.

Ian Lavender

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Dad’s Army star Ian Lavender died aged 77Credit: Getty – Contributor
Dad’s Army and EastEnders star Ian Lavender died aged 77 on February 2.

He played Private Pike in the hit BBC sitcom and was the last surviving member of the cast.

In later years Ian had also become a popular character in the BBC soap EastEnders playing Derek Harkinson.

Jonnie Irwin

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Much-loved presenter Jonny Irwin sadly passed awayCredit: Instagram
A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin died aged 50 on February 2, after enduring a gruelling battle with lung cancer.

Jonnie, 50, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020 – a week after filming the popular show in Italy.

Tragically, the cancer spread to his brain and in 2022 Jonnie revealed he had just six months to live.

Which celebrities died in January 2024?

Charmian Abrahams

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The late Charmain Abrahams was best known for her role in Crossroads (pictured)
Crossroads star Charmian Abrahams died aged 96 after being hit by a delivery van.

The actress – best known for playing Mavis Hooper in the soap – died in Harborne, Birmingham, on January 15.

In a statement – released through West Midlands Police – the family said: “We are devastated that her life has been brought to an end so suddenly and tragically, but we will treasure our memories of her zest for life and the many good times we shared with her.”

Annie Nightingale

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Annie Nightingale tragically passed awayCredit: Handout
Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale passed away aged 83 on January 11.

The trailblazing presenter became the first female DJ on the station in 1970 – launching the careers of dozens of unknown artists.

Her family paid tribute to the “pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many” as she passed away at her home in London after a “short illness”.

Georgina Hale

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Georgina Hale in Mahler (1974) died aged 80Credit: Alamy
Actress Georgina Hale died aged 80 on January 4, after an incredible TV and theatre career spanning 50 years.

The star performer was known for a host of roles and featured on hit shows Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

Her performance in Mahler (1974) was rewarded with a Bafta film award as most promising newcomer.

David Soul

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Actor David Soul died aged 80Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Starsky & Hutch actor David Soul died on January 4.

The singer and TV star famously played Hutch in the hit detective series.

His wife Helen Snell said her husband died after a “valiant battle for life”.

Glynis Johns

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Glynis Johns was best known for Mary PoppinsCredit: YouTube/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Mary Poppins actress Glynis Johns died on January 4.

The star, who played Mrs Winifred Banks in the hit 1964 film that starred Julie Andrews in the title role, was 100.

She died of natural causes and was living in West Hollywood, California, her publicist Mitch Clem said.

Derek Draper

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Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper passed away after a long battle with CovidCredit: PA
Derek Draper, 56, was left fighting for life in hospital after suffering a massive heart attack in December 2024.

Kate said: “I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.”