Celebrities we lost in 2024, from Liam Payne to Maggie Smith
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Celebrities we lost in 2024, from Liam Payne to Maggie Smith

In 2024, we said goodbye to some big stars of the worlds of music, screen and entertainment, including Liam Payne, Dame Maggie Smith, Dave Myers and Michael Mosley.

One Direction fans were shocked by Payne’s death in October after he fell from a hotel balcony in Argentina, while the sad news of TV doctor Mosley’s death came following a search for the medic who had gone missing whilst on holiday in Greece.

Stage and screen superstar Smith died aged 89 in September, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles, and in February Hairy Bikers fans mourned with Si King when he lost his best friend Myers to cancer.

These are just some of the stars we lost over the past 12 months.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Liam Payne arrives at the

Liam Payne was in Buenos Aires at the time of his death. (WireImage)

One Direction star Liam Payne died aged 31 on 16 October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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The singer who found fame as a teen contestant on The X Factor had attended his bandmate Niall Horan’s concert in the city days before his death and was mourned by his fellow One Direction stars at his November funeral.

He is survived by his seven-year-old son Bear, who he shared with Cheryl Tweedy. She was amongst the mourners at his funeral, who also included his family and girlfriend Kate Cassidy, Simon Cowell, James Corden, Rochelle and Marvin Humes, and Adrian Chiles.

Following Payne’s death, Cheryl, who was with Payne from 2016 to 2018, said: “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”

Maggie Smith in the 'Downton Abbey' movie. (Credit: Universal/Focus Features)

Maggie Smith in the ‘Downton Abbey’ movie. (Universal/Focus Features)

The stage and screen star loved by many for her roles in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to name just a few, died on 27 September aged 89.

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Her sons Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens thanked staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital where she died in a statement, where they also said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27 September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Read more: Maggie Smith’s most memorable roles

King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute to her, saying: “As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both off and on the stage.”

The Hairy Bikers Go West,13-02-2024,2 - Dumfries & Galloway,Dave Myers, Si King,South Shore Productions,Jon Boast

Dave Myers (left) was best friends with Hairy Bikers co-star Si King. (BBC)

We said goodbye to one half of the Hairy Bikers this year when Dave Myers died from cancer on 28 February with his wife Liliana and best friend and co-star Si King amongst those by his side.

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Sharing the news, King wrote: “Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.”

King has paid many emotional tributes to Myers since his death, including a “Dave Day” ride out which saw him joined by 46,000 bikers for a 30-mile ride in honour of his friend.

Michael Mosley: Wonders of the Human Body - Episode 1 Episode Overview Michael Mosley takes us on extraordinary journey around the human body. Michael puts his body to the test to help you at home understand yours, as he tracks down answers to lots of burning questions, such as; Why do we get creaky joints? What happens when we catch the flu? Can we help our brains stay fit as we age? How do doctors replace a hip? We meet people from around the country with stories to share that shed light on the hidden marvels of our bodies.(Channel 5)

Michael Mosley went missing on the Greek island of Symi. (Channel 5)

One of the biggest shock deaths of the year came after TV medic Michael Mosley went missing while on holiday on the Greek island of Symi in June.

Mosley, who was known for his Just One Thing health podcast, popularising the 5:2 diet and his TV series about living a healthier life, had become a trusted expert to his many fans.

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He was holidaying with his wife and friends on Symi when he left the beach on 5 June to walk to a nearby town, but was reported missing with a large search – including his four adult children – taking place.

Mosley’s body was discovered on a rocky slope on 9 June where he is thought to have died aged 67 after taking the wrong path from the town.

His wife, Dr Clare Bailey, has said she hopes to continue his health education work and his life was celebrated by the BBC with Just One Thing day, where TV and radio stars took a piece of advice from his podcasts, books and TV shows.

Kate Garraway and husband Derek Draper, pictured in 2009. (Jon Furniss/WireImage)

Kate Garraway and husband Derek Draper, pictured in 2009. (WireImage)

In the new year, broadcaster Kate Garraway shared the news that her husband Derek Draper had died on 3 January, aged 56.

Political lobbyist and psychotherapist Draper had suffered a heart attack, but had spent nearly four years with a serious illness caused by Covid. He had caught Covid in March 2020 in the earliest days of the pandemic, and spent around a year in hospital, thought to be the UK’s worst-affected patient of the virus.

Draper, who was father to two children with Garraway, eventually returned home in 2021 where he needed round-the-clock care. Garraway made three documentaries about his health struggles and her battle with the care system, as well as publishing books about their experiences.

Garraway posted on Instagram after his death: “I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.

“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright. (BBC)

Steve Wright had a long career on BBC radio. (BBC)

Radio presenters and listeners were saddened by the unexpected news of BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright’s death on 12 February, aged 69.

Wright, who hosted on Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades, was especially well known for the long-running show Steve Wright In The Afternoon.

His family said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard.

“Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK’s most enduring and popular radio personalities.”

Sara Cox, who was on air on Radio 2 when the news was announced, said staff were “all absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided”, adding: “Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really, really kind person. He was witty, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered, too.”

Annie Nightingale attends the Women of the Year Lunch and Awards 2010, at the Intercontinental Hotel, in London. (Photo by Fiona Hanson/PA Images via Getty Images)

Annie Nightingale was a trailblazer for women in radio. (PA Images)

Wright’s death came just a month after that of another BBC radio legend, Annie Nightingale, who was Radio 1’s first female DJ.

She died on 11 January aged 83 after a short illness, with many other women in the music industry paying tribute to the path she had paved for them.

Zoe Ball wrote: “Heartbroken to hear the news. The original trailblazer for us women in radio. She loved music like no other… and could out last any of us at the party. So grateful for all the love & support she offered me over the years. What a dame… rest well.”

Read more: Annie Nightingale was first person to interview Paul McCartney after Lennon death

Jo Whiley echoed her, saying: “She blazed a trail for us all and never compromised. Her passion for music never diminished. Annie – My utmost respect and thanks for it all.”

Annie Mac shared: “She was always the epitome of ‘cool’, relentlessly curious and enthusiastic and hungry to learn. She always had the messiest desk in our office, the best outfits, and the most outrageous stories to tell. She was so sound!

“I hope stages and festivals and awards will be named in her honour for decades to come. Queen of breaks! Annie Nightingale, you absolute legend, may you always be ‘on One’.”

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 14: Comedian Janey Godley attends The Forth Awards 2019 at Usher Hall on November 14, 2019 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns)

Janey Godley’s impressions of Nicola Sturgeon went viral. (Redferns)

Comedian Janey Godley died aged 63 on 2 November after sharing in September that she was receiving end-of-life care for ovarian cancer.

Godley was well known for her impressions of Nicola Sturgeon during the Covid pandemic, dubbing videos from her lockdown press conferences that went viral.

Sturgeon, who had visited Godley, said after her death: “Janey Godley truly was a force of nature and one of the funniest people I have ever known.”

Robin Windsor was a star on Strictly Come Dancing. (BBC)

Robin Windsor was a star on Strictly Come Dancing. (BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor, known for his role as part of the BBC series’ pro cast, died aged 44 on 19 February. He had partnered celebrities including Lisa Riley and Anita Dobson on the show.

Newsreader Susanna Reid, who danced with him for a Strictly Children in Need special, was so upset at the news that came in while she was live on air for Good Morning Britain that she had to ask co-host Ed Balls to read out the bulletin instead.

Windsor’s friends from Strictly also paid tribute to the star who had been due to go on tour with Pasha Kovalev, James Jordan, Brendan Cole and Vincent Simone. Speaking ahead of a charity theatre show they were putting on in tribute to him, Kovalev told Good Morning Britain: “He was supposed to be with us and it’s heartbreaking that he’s not…The show has to go on and we will remember Robin and dance for him and sing for him one more time.”

George Gilbey (centre) with mum Linda and stepdad Pete. (Getty Images)

George Gilbey (centre) with mum Linda and stepdad Pete. (Getty Images)

Gogglebox star and Celebrity Big Brother contestant George Gilbey died aged 40 on 27 March after falling from a roof he was working on. The reality TV star worked as an electrician and fell through a skylight at a warehouse in Essex.

Gilbey first found fame after joining Gogglebox in 2013 with mum Linda and stepdad Pete McGarry, and went on to become a viewer favourite. However, the family were cut from the cast in 2014 when Gilbey signed up to Celebrity Big Brother, where he finished fourth.

They were recast in Gogglebox in 2016, but Gilbey left in 2018 and his family continued without him until 2020. Pete died from bowel cancer in 2021.

Mum Linda recently shared with OK! that she liked to watch old episodes of Gogglebox to see Gilbey, saying: “I can actually watch Gogglebox and see him. It makes me laugh when I’m in a good place.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 30: Bernard Hill attends Manchester Comic Con at Bowlers Exhibition Centre on July 30, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)

Bernard Hill starred in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. (Getty Images)

Screen star Bernard Hill died aged 79 on 5 May, after a long career which included notable roles in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and blockbuster Titanic.

Hill played the captain of the Titanic and in Lord of the Rings was King Theoden. Between Titanic and The Return of the King, he was the only actor ever to have appeared in more than one film that won 11 or more Oscars.

The star’s more recent roles included an appearance in Martin Freeman thriller series The Responder and playing Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk in Wolf Hall, which was recast with Timothy Spall in the role for later episodes.

Asked once about his fondest memories, Hill said: “I loved every minute of every day that I was on Lord of the Rings.”

Actor John Savident, who plays Fred Elliot in soap Coronation street, picks up the top award on behalf of the programme being chosen Best Soap by TV viewers, at Carlton TV's British Soap Awards 1999. The actor won the award for Best Comedy Performance. * 1/12/2000: The Coronation Street actor, 62, who plays butcher Fred Elliott, is in hospital with neck wounds after an incident at his flat near Granada Studios in Manchester. 20/06/01 Coronation Street actor John Savident, who plays Fred Elliot in the soap. The trial of Michael Smith, who is accused of stabbing Mr Savident, is due to start at Manchester Crown Court. Smith, 28, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, is accused of wounding Mr Savident, 62, with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm on 1/12/00. He is also charged with robbing him of a wallet, credit cards, keys, a watch, a ring, money clip, an invitation card and cash on the same date. Smith denies both charges. (Photo by Michael Crabtree - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)

John Savident starred in Coronation Street. (PA Images)

Soap fans will be familiar with John Savident as one of Coronation Street’s most recognisable stars, where he played cobbles butcher Fred Elliot.

Savident died on 21 February aged 86, survived by his wife of more than 60 years Rona Hopkinson, their children and grandchildren.

His best known role as Fred on Corrie had lasted for 12 years and the character became famous for his catchphrase “I say, I say”. Savident chose to leave in 2006 to spend more time with his family and Fred was killed off after having a stroke.

Jonnie Irwin was known for hosting A Place in the Sun. (PA Images)

Jonnie Irwin was known for hosting A Place in the Sun. (PA Images)

A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin had shared his cancer treatment and diagnosis with his followers after discovering he had terminal lung cancer that had spread to his brain.

Irwin was first diagnosed in 2020, but had kept the news private until 2022, saying that he had feared losing out on TV work.

He died aged 50 on 2 February, survived by wife Jess and their three young sons. In his final months, Irwin had frequently posted photos with his family enjoying bike rides and time spent outdoors together.

Irwin, who had been given just months to live when he was diagnosed in 2020, had often spoken about trying to stay positive and how he was making the most of any time he could spend with his family.

File photo dated 16/05/24 of Timothy West and Prunella Scales leaving Lamb House, once home to novelists Henry James, Rumer Godden and E. F. Benson, in Rye, East Sussex. Actor Timothy West, known for many roles in television and the theatre, has died peacefully in his sleep aged 90

Timothy West with his wife Prunella Scales. (PA Images)

Stage and screen star Timothy West died on 20 October aged 90 after a glittering career that included roles in Brass, The Day of the Jackal, Bedtime, Bleak House, and more recently EastEnders, Coronation Street and Not Going Out.

West was married to Prunella Scales and the couple had spoken about Scales’ diagnosis of dementia after West had begun to notice differences in her behaviour. The couple, who had presented TV series Great Canal Journeys together, campaigned to raise awareness of dementia in West’s later years.

Read more: 8 roles that show Timothy West’s acting greatness

His three children said in a statement: “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90-years old.

“Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife, Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.”

Ian Lavender poses for photographers upon arrival at the World premiere of Dad's Army at a central London cinema, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)

Ian Lavender starred in Dad’s Army and EastEnders. (Invision/AP)

Dad’s Army star Ian Lavender died on 2 February, two weeks before what would have been his 78th birthday.

Lavender, who was best known for playing Private Pike in Dad’s Army, was the classic sitcom’s last surviving star.

In recent years, he had become known as a regular cast member of EastEnders, playing Pauline Fowler’s old friend Derek Harkinson in two stints in Walford.

FILE - Glynis Johns is pictured in her New York dressing room on Jan, 12, 1973. (AP Photo/Jerry Mosey, File)

Glynis Johns starred in Mary Poppins. (AP)

Glynis Johns was 100 years old when she died on 4 January, after a career spanning eight decades that saw her conquer Hollywood.

Johns, who was Oscar-nominated for her role in The Sundowners, was best known for playing Mrs Banks in 1964’s Mary Poppins and won a Tony Award for A Little Night Music.

Announcing her death, her manager called it “the end of the golden age of Hollywood”.

Ewen MacIntosh has died. (PA Images via Getty Images)

Ewen MacIntosh was well known to fans of The Office. (PA Images)

Actor Ewen MacIntosh died aged 50 on 19 February after two years of illness.

He is best remembered for playing Big Keith in The Office, but also appeared in Life’s Too Short, Miranda and Little Britain.

MacIntosh had shared a photo from a hospital bed in February 2022, captioning it “Bad times for me I’m afraid, chums. Stay strong out there” and is thought to have been in a care home at the time of his death.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Shannen Doherty arrives at the 9th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 05, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage)

Shannen Doherty rose to fame on Beverly Hills 90210. (WireImage)

Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty died on 13 July at the age of 53, after years in treatment for breast cancer.

Doherty had first been diagnosed with the disease in 2015, but shared that it had returned in 2019. She was told that her cancer was terminal in 2023.

The actor, who also starred in Heathers, returned to a number of 90210 revivals throughout her career and appeared in TV series Charmed.

Speaking on a podcast the month before her death, she had said: “I think I struggled with that kind of my entire life, being a child actor and then growing up acting, and I just never felt like I was accepted…For me, cancer was that moment where I was like, ‘Oh, hell no.’…I need to make sure I’m happy and living the best life that I can while I’m still alive.”

LOVELOCK, NV - JULY 20: O.J. Simpson attends a parole hearing at Lovelock Correctional Center July 20, 2017 in Lovelock, Nevada. Simpson is serving a nine to 33 year prison term for a 2007 armed robbery and kidnapping conviction. (Photo by Jason Bean-Pool/Getty Images)

O.J. Simpson died in 2024. (Getty Images)

Controversial former NFL player O.J. Simpson died aged 76 from prostate cancer on 10 April.

Simpson’s sporting career was overshadowed when he was arrested and charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. Simpson pleaded not guilty and was defended by Kim Kardshian’s father, lawyer Robert Kardashian. He was acquitted, but in a separate civil trial was found liable for their deaths and ordered to pay £26.7million to their families.

The American football player later served nine years of a 33-year jail sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping.

He had pursued an acting career, with roles in the Naked Gun films, and his murder trial was dramatised in 2016 series The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Tito Jackson of Jackson 5 and The Jacksons performs onstage during the Fool in Love Festival at Hollywood Park Grounds on August 31, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Tito Jackson was an original member of the Jackson 5. (Getty Images)

Original Jackson 5 member Tito Jackson died on 15 September aged 70 after suffering a heart attack.

As well as having huge success alongside his siblings, including Michael Jackson, Tito was the father of 3T stars Taj, Taryll and TJ who announced his death.

Tito had continued to perform with his siblings and also released solo music, as well as being a judge on UK TV contest Just The Two Of Us.

Quincy Jones (Photo by David Buchan/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Quincy Jones produced for stars including Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin. (Getty Images)

Another huge name from the world of music, Quincy Jones, died on 3 November aged 91.

Music producer Jones had a 70-year career that included 28 Grammy Awards. He produced Thriller, Off the Wall and Bad for Michael Jackson, as well as music for Aretha Franklin and Donna Summer.

Jones’ TV and film production company was also responsible for hits including The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and The Color Purple.

Actor James Earl Jones is shown casting his hand in cement for Disney during a special event in Pawling, New York on July 10, 2019. (Photo by John Atashian/Getty Images)

James Earl Jones voiced Darth Vader. (Getty Images)

Stage and screen star James Earl Jones died aged 93 on 9 September, with those he had worked with including George Lucas paying tribute to him.

The star was well known for having voiced Darth Vader in the Star Wars films, and also for starring alongside Eddie Murphy in Coming to America.

He had coveted EGOT status – having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards – for roles including The Great White Hope and Fences.

Shelley Duvall (R) attends a party at Studio 54 in New York City on December 12, 1977. (Photo by Guy Marineau/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Shelley Duvall’s most famous role was in The Shining. (Getty Images)

The Shining star Shelley Duvall, best known for her role in the Stephen King horror adaptation, died aged 75 on 11 July.

Her work also included Annie Hall, Time Bandits, Popeye and Frankenweenie, and she had taken a 20-year break from acting before returning for her final role in 2023 horror film The Forest Hills.

Duvall’s partner Dan Gilroy shared the news of her death after complications from diabetes.

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