The BBC and its audience have been struck by tragedy in 2025 as several figures from the world of broadcasting, entertainment and journalism have already passed away just months into the new year. On March 17, it was announced that Belgian actress Emilie Dequenne, who starred in hit show The Missing, sadly passed away from a rare form of cancer just two years after she was diagnosed. She was aged just 43.
She joins a number of tragic stars who have passed away, from beloved comedian Tony Slattery to quizzing legend Chris Hughes. All of these individuals left their mark on British television and radio, and will be remembered for their legacy. Below, the Express Online pays tribute to the personalities who have died this year so far.
Actor and comedian Tony Slattery died at the age of 65 on January 14, 2025. He was famous for his witty improvisations on Whose Line Is It Anyway, and is also known for his roles in The Crying Game, Peter’s Friends, and How to Get Ahead in Advertising.
Tragically Tony had just recently started to emerge from a lifelong battle with alcohol and substance abuse addictions before he passed away following a heart attack.
Tributes poured in commemorating his life, with long time friend and fellow comedian Stephen Fry calling him “the gentlest, sweetest soul” and “a screamingly funny, deeply talented wit and clown”.
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Peter Grant was a treasured voice in regional broadcasting until he died of cancer on January 20 this year. He was known across the North East and Yorkshire for his work on Magic, Hallam FM, Durham FM, Radio Aire, TFM, and later Radio Newcastle and Tees.
Peter also made appearances on Look North. Colleagues and listeners remember him for his infectious positivity on the airwaves. One fellow broadcaster, Alfie Joey, praied his “relentless optimism” which shone through as he continued to work away and stayed upbeat even after being diagnosed with cancer.
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Antiques expert Michael Baggott, who is a familiar face to Flog It fans, passed away on January 27, 2025 at the age of 51 after suffering a heart attack. Michael specialised in antique British silver and shared this knowledge both on television and in published works.
Colleagues such as antiques expert Nick Hall have paid tribute to him as a “true connoisseur and ambassador of the antiques world”, and praised him for generously sharing this passion with audiences.
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Entertainer Kerry Wilson, who was known for her appearances on The Jonathan Ross Show and various productions, died suddenly at the age of 56 after complications from influenza A led to her contracting pneumonia and sepsis.
During her life Kerry had been a captivating performer who was known in her local area of Stoke-on-Trent for starring in pantomines, doing comedic impressions, and singing. Her mother Linda described her as someone who “made everybody smile”.
Family members were with her when her life support was switched off on January 10, 2025. Her devastated mother said “The grief was unreal.”
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Quiz enthusiasts have been left mourning the death of Eggheads star Chris Hughes, who passed away at the age of 77. Chris was a mainstay of the quiz show since its launch in 2003, and is known for being an exceptional general knowledge expert. During his lifetime he won Brain of Britain, Mastermind, and International Mastermind.
After his recent death on February 27, Eggheads producer Robert Dean took to X, saying: “[Hughes] was an amazing Egghead who considered everyone on the production team part of his family.
“I have such fond memories of him and count myself lucky to have known him. I’ll miss him tremendously.”
(Image: BBC)