The ECHO has taken a look at the incredible legacy left by the famous faces who passed away over the past 12 months
The ECHO has taken a look at the incredible legacy left by the famous faces who passed away over the past 12 months
We sadly lost some of our most beloved famous faces over the past 12 months. People were heartbroken to find out stars from the stage, screen, music, sport and more had passed away in 2024.
However, fans can remember their finest work, lasting legacies and greatest achievements to provide some comfort. As we enter a new year, the ECHO has taken a look back at some of those we have lost and the incredible legacy they will leave.
Derek Draper
Kate Garraway’s husband died aged 56 on January 5 following a long battle with coronavirus, and a heart attack. The Good Morning Britain broadcaster announced the sad news in a post on Instagram.
She said she was “by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours”. The former New Labour lobbyist fell ill with covid almost four years ago. The dad-of-two spent more than a year in hospital after becoming extremely ill and suffering long-lasting effects of the virus.
Franz Beckenbauer
Football lost one of the icons of the game when the German legend died aged 78 on January 8. Beckenbauer was a pioneer in the sport and lifted the World Cup as a player and a manager. Gary Lineker was one of many to pay tribute after the German’s death was announced. He said: “Very sorry to hear that Franz Beckenbauer has died. Der Kaiser was the most beautiful of footballers who won it all with grace and charm. RIP.”
Peter Johnson
The former Everton and Tranmere Rovers chairman died aged 84 on January 10. Born in Liverpool in November 1939, Johnson had built up an estimated net worth of £150million at his peak in the mid-1990s through his Birkenhead-based business, Park Foods.
Johnson bought his hometown club out of administration in 1987, with Tranmere enjoying an impressive run during the 1990s following his purchase. He then took control of Everton in 1994.
After his death was confirmed, a statement from his family said: “It is with great sadness that the Johnson family share the news that Peter Johnson has today passed away at the age of 84. Peter died peacefully surrounded by his partner, Mel, and daughters, Susie, Kate and Charlotte.
“A devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Peter was the centre of our world and always happiest when surrounded by his friends and relatives.
“His impact though spread much further than his family, with his charitable work at home, through the Johnson Foundation, benefitting thousands of people throughout the Liverpool City Region and raising more than £10m for local causes.”
Jonnie Irwin
The A Place in the Sun presenter died aged 50 on February 2 after a battle with cancer. A statement was issued on his Instagram account to confirm his death. It said: “In Loving Memory.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing. A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit.
“At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss. Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated.”
Steve Wright
The 69-year-old radio legend was found dead at his home on the morning of Monday February 12. Tributes poured in for the much-loved radio presenter from his BBC colleagues, close friends and loyal listeners. Steve held his popular BBC Radio 2 slot from 1999 until 2022 when it was taken over by Scott Mills.
Robin Windsor
The Strictly Come Dancing star died aged 44 on February 20. The professional dancer appeared on the show from 2010 – 2013 alongside stars such as Deborah Meaden and Lisa Riley. His death was announced on the Facebook page of the dance company he founded, Burn the Floor.
Former Strictly co-star, James Jordan, took to Instagram to pay tribute after the sad news. He said: “I had the pleasure of working with this man for many years on Strictly – I have such fond memories of him. He was always very caring and fun to be around.
“Everyone who came in contact with him adored him, from his celebrity partners to his working colleagues. You will be missed old friend.”
Dave Myers
The Hairy Bikers star died in February aged 66 after a long battle with cancer. The sad news was confirmed by his cooking partner and longtime friend, Si King. In a post shared on Instagram, Si said: “Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.
“Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home. All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.”
John Savident
The soap star, renowned for his role as Fred Elliott in Coronation Street, died aged 86 in February. His death was confirmed by his representatives who issued a statement to PA news agency.
They said: “We are sad to announce the death of the actor John Savident who died on Wednesday February 21, he was a much-loved husband and father of two and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.” John joined the soap in 1994 and quickly became a fan favourite. His storylines involved his disastrous love life, including three marriages and several failed proposals.
Jimmy Husband
Everton confirmed the former player, who was part of the Toffees’ 1969/70 League Championship-winning side, had died aged 76 in March. The club’s website has confirmed that Husband, who left Everton for Luton Town in November 1973 and had settled in Bedfordshire during retirement, had passed away peacefully on Saturday following a short illness.
Larry Lloyd
The former Liverpool defender, who was part of the first Reds team to win a European trophy, died aged 75 in March. Lloyd spent five years at Anfield having joined from Bristol Rovers in April 1969 as a long-term replacement for Ron Yeats, and went on to make 218 appearances while scoring five goals.
A statement from Liverpool read: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former defender Larry Lloyd, aged 75. LFC will pay tribute to Lloyd with a period of applause at Anfield on Sunday when the Reds host Brighton & Hove Albion.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Larry’s family and friends at this sad time.”
George Gilbey
The Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star died aged 40 in March after falling through a plastic skylight while fixing a warehouse roof in Essex. The reality star died from traumatic injuries to the head and torso after falling from a height at work, an inquest into his death heard in April.
A statement on the official Gogglebox Instagram account posted after his death said: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family have asked for privacy.”
Adrian Schiller
The actor, who appeared in hit shows such as Doctor Who and Death In Paradise, died aged 60 in April. The star was represented by Scott Marshall Partners and his agent issued a statement to confirm he died. The statement said: “He has died far too soon, and we, his family and close friends are devastated by the loss.
“His death was sudden and unexpected and no further details around its cause are yet available. A prodigiously talented actor, he had just returned from Sydney, where he had been appearing in The Lehman Trilogy and was looking forward to continuing the international tour in San Francisco.”
Frank Field
The former Birkenhead MP died aged 81 in April. The former Labour Minister and crossbench peer represented the Wirral constituency from 1979 until 2019 and was a hugely influential figure in Parliament.
The veteran politician’s family has shared a statement to confirm his death in April following a period of illness. It said: “Frank was director of the Child Poverty Action Group between 1969 and 1979, and the Member of Parliament for Birkenhead between 1979 and 2019.”
It added: “Frank is survived by two brothers. He will be mourned by admirers across politics but above all he will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have enjoyed his laughter and friendship.”
Bernard Hill
The legendary actor died aged 79 in May. He was best known for his role as Yosser Hughes in Alan Bleasdale’s seminal TV drama ‘Boys from the Blackstuff’, a performance which came to define the economic struggles facing Liverpool in the 1980s. His agent Lou Coulson Associates confirmed to the ECHO that Mr Hill died in the early hours of May 5. Bernard starred in the second season of The Responder, which premiered on BBC that night. The show’s creator Tony Schumacher paid tribute in an interview with the ECHO at the season two premiere screening.
He said: “He was such a good actor but most importantly he was such a lovely fella as well. We all fell in love with him and we’re devastated he’s not over there right now. We all thought he was going to be here but he isn’t.”
Paul Holmes
The former Everton player died aged 56 in May after a battle with cancer. The club released a statement at the time stating that everyone at the club “is deeply saddened” by Holmes’ death and club ambassador Ian Snodin, who was one of his team-mates at Goodison Park said: “I knew Paul was unwell but I am deeply shocked by his passing.
“He was a fine player and a lovely guy to share a dressing room with. He got on well with all the lads and he was unfortunate not to play more games.”
Rob Burrow
The former rugby league player and charity campaigner died aged 41 in June. The former scrum half retired from the sport in 2017 and was diagnosed with with motor neurone disease (MND) in December 2019. Leeds Rhinos said he “inspired the entire country” as he battled the disease.
With the help of friend and former Leeds teammate Kevin Sinfield, over £6m was been raised for a new treatment centre for MND patients in Leeds. It would be named the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.
Michael Mosley
The TV doctor died in tragic circumstances in June this year after he went for a walk on the Greek island of Symi. The broadcaster, renowned for offering diet advice on This Morning, went missing on June 5. A search was launched by emergency services and his body was found four days later.
The senior coroner for Buckinghamshire, Crispin Butler, last week said Dr Mosley’s death was “indeterminate” and “unascertainable”, adding that it “was most likely attributable either to heatstroke (accidental) or non-identified pathological cause”.
Dr Mosley was known for popularising the 5:2 diet, a form of intermittent fasting, through his book The Fast Diet, as well as his documentaries on the BBC. In July, the broadcaster honoured the doctor-turned-science broadcaster with a day dedicated to him, when presenters and audiences where encouraged to do “just one thing” to improve their wellbeing.
Kevin Campbell
The Everton hero died aged 54 in June. Arsenal, where Campbell started his career, confirmed the tragic news in a post on X that said: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Campbell arrived at Goodison Park on loan from Turkish side Trabzonspor in the spring of 1999 with the club’s Premier League status at risk. His run of nine goals in five games led the Blues to safety and paved the way for a permanent move.
In total, the former Arsenal and Nottingham Forest star scored 51 goals across 164 appearances for Everton, including a fourth-minute Merseyside derby winner against Liverpool on September 27, 1999. It is a result that remains the Blues’ most-recent success at Anfield in front of supporters.
Donald Sutherland
The acclaimed actor died in June aged 88 following “a long illness”, his agent CAA confirmed to the PA news agency. The star of Ordinary People, M*A*S*H and Six Degrees Of Separation was the father of 24 TV show star Kiefer Sutherland.
Sutherland won a Golden Globe for the television movie Path To War and another gong along with an Emmy Award for the the mini-series Citizen X.
Shannen Doherty
Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed star Shannen Doherty sadly died at the age of 53 in July. After living with cancer for many years, the much-loved actress passed away on July 13 surrounded by her loved-ones. The sad news was confirmed today by Shannen’s publicist.
The statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”
Craig Shakespeare
Craig Shakespeare died aged 60 in August. In October 2023, it was revealed that Shakespeare, who worked at Everton FC, was undergoing treatment for cancer and on Thursday a statement from the League Managers Association read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Shakespeare, ‘SHAKEY’.
“Craig passed away peacefully this morning at home surrounded by his family. Whilst the family are immensely proud of his footballing achievements as both a player and a coach, to us, his family, he will always primarily be a loving and loved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
“The loss is devastating to us all and we would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly difficult time as we try to come to terms with, and mourn, the loss of a very special person. The family would like to thank and acknowledge the many prayers and good wishes sent during the past few difficult months, many of which we were unable to respond to, but all meant a lot to Craig and the family.”
Following the announcement of his death, an Everton statement read: “Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former coach Craig Shakespeare. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Sven Goran Eriksson
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away at the age of 76 in August. The lifelong Liverpool fan, who also took charge of Manchester City and Leicester City during a decades-long career that took him across the world, was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 2023.
Eriksson announced back in January last year that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had around a year left to live before being invited to fulfill a career ambition to take charge of a Liverpool team at Anfield when he was asked to coach the Reds legends against Ajax in March for the LFC Foundation.
He is best remembered in England for his five-year stint with the Three Lions that saw him beaten at the quarter-final stages of the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004, to Brazil and Portugal, respectively.
Fatman Scoop
The rapper died aged 56 in August, just days before he was scheduled to perform at St Helens music festival, Reminisce. The US rapper, whose real name is Isaac Freeman III, reportedly suffered a serious medical emergency on stage the night before his death in Connecticut.
The rapper’s booking agency, MN2S, issued a statement to the ECHO to confirm his death. It said: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and client, Fatman Scoop, at the age of 53. Scoop was a beloved figure in the music world, whose work was loved by countless fans across the globe.
“His iconic voice, infectious energy, and great personality made an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will live on through his timeless music. Fatman Scoop had been a valued member of the MN2S family for 15 years, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us.”
Ron Yeats
The legendary Liverpool FC captain, known as “The Colossus”, died aged 86 in September. He had for some time been living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Yeats, spent more than 10 years at Anfield having been signed by Bill Shankly from Dundee United in July 1961, and went on to make 454 appearances while scoring 16 goals. Liverpool had been languishing in Division Two for seven years before the arrival of Yeats but, having been swiftly installed captain by Shankly, he helped them back into the top flight as the Reds won the title by eight points.
James Earl Jones
The American actor, known for being the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, died at the age of 93 in September. The US actor’s voice was also lent to the likes of Mufasa in Disney’s 1994 film The Lion King, various audiobooks and to CNN for its “This is CNN” tagline. During his career he won a host of different awards. He was one of the few entertainers to have won the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards).
Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, posted “#RIP Dad” with a broken heart emoji as he shared a news report of James Earl Jones’ death.
Kenneth Cope
The actor, who was born in Liverpool in 1931, died aged 93 in September. He played Jed Stone, known to many as “Sunny Jim”, on the ITV soap Coronation Street, as well as Ray Hilton in Brookside.
Kenneth enjoyed three separate stints on the cobbles, initially as Minnie Caldwell’s lodger in the early 60s, again in 1966 and then once more on 2008. The actor’s death was confirmed online by agent Sandra Chalmers, the Mirror reported, who wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Announcing the passing of a true icon #KennethCope. An absolute joy to work with and an honour to have known. A true gentleman in show business RIP.”
Geoffrey Hinsliff
The legend who was best known for playing Don Brennan in Coronation Street died at the age of 87 in September. The actor’s death was confirmed by the ITV soap and tributes for the TV star poured in.
Following the news of his sad death, Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, said: “Geoff was a lovely, quiet man who will be sadly missed by us all. His partnership with Lynne Perry was something rather special and they gave the viewers huge pleasure for many years.”
Dame Maggie Smith
Dame Maggie Smith’s family has paid tribute after the legendary actor died aged 89 in September. The star enjoyed a legendary career and is renowned for her roles as Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter franchise and Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey.
Dame Maggie’s sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, issued a statement via their publicist to announce the sad news of their mum’s death. The statement 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 27th 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. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”
Peter Cormack
Former Liverpool midfielder Peter Cormack, who won four major honours at the club, died at the age of 78 in October. He had for some time been suffering from dementia.
Cormack made 178 appearances and scored 26 goals during a four-year stay at Anfield as part of the successful Reds team during the mid-1970s, claiming silverware under both Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.
Liam Payne
The One Direction musician died aged 31 in October after he fell from the balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires. Liam’s funeral in November in Buckinghamshire was attended by Cheryl Tweedy, the mother of his son Bear, and fellow One Direction stars Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, along with his family and friends.
Fans around the world mourned the late Wolverhampton-born singer, and Rita Ora paid a tearful tribute to him at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in Manchester.
After his band went on hiatus he launched a successful solo career, releasing his debut solo album LP1 in December 2019, which included the songs Polaroid and Strip That Down featuring Quavo, and the track For You with Ora.
Geoff Capes
British shot put record holder and two-time world’s strongest man died aged 75 in October. Capes set the record for the furthest shot put throw by a British man in 1980 with a distance of 21.68m, which he holds to this day.
In a statement, Capes’ family said: “The family of Geoffrey Capes would like to announce his sad passing today, 23rd October. Britain’s finest shot putter and twice world’s strongest man.”
Tony Todd
Actor Tony Todd, renowned for his role in the ‘Candyman’ horror movie series, has passed away at the age of 69 in November. He famously portrayed the titular Candyman character, a spectral figure with a hook for a hand who is evoked by saying his name five times before a mirror. Mr Todd played this role from the original 1992 movie and through sequels in 1995 and 1999, before returning to the part in the 2021 instalment that serves as a direct sequel to the first film.
Quincy Jones
Tributes flooded in after Quincy Jones died aged 91 in November. The legendary producer was renowned for his work with some of the biggest artists of all time, including Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra.
The songwriter’s publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed he died at his home in Bel Air. Quincy’s family issued a tribute after the sad news.
They said: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Timothy West
The actor, renowned for his roles in television in theatre, died aged 90 in November. He was well-known for long stints in the soaps Coronation Street and EastEnders, as well as many other roles on stage and screen.
Timothy was married to Prunella Scales, who is best known for her performance as Sybil in Fawlty Towers, for 61 years. They have two sons, Joseph West and Samuel West.
In a statement his family said: “After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West has died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old.
“Tim was with his friends and family at the end. He leaves behind his wife Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly.
“We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George’s Hospital, Tooting and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days. Juliet, Samuel and Joseph West.”
John Prescott
Former deputy prime minister John Prescott has died aged 86 following a battle with Alzheimer’s in November, his family has announced. His family said he had “spent his life trying to improve the lives of others, fighting for social justice and protecting the environment”.
The former trade union activist and ex-merchant seaman died “peacefully” and surrounded by relatives at his care home, they said. Lord Prescott was a key figure of Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project, seen by many as custodian of the party’s traditional values in the face of a modernising leadership.
Jimmy Carter
The former US President died last month, aged 100. Born James Earl Carter Jr, the Democrat served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981.
The former peanut farmer and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who lived longer than any president in history, was also well-known for his humanitarian service. The Carter Center, which advocates for democracy and human rights around the world, said he died on Sunday afternoon, December 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia.
Johnnie Walker
The veteran BBC radio DJ Johnnie Walker died at the age of 79 on New Year’s Eve. The ‘Sounds of the 70s’ presenter stepped away from broadcasting two months ago, after 58 years on air, due to ill health caused by the symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Johnnie’s passing was announced by his long-time friend and colleague Bob Harris – who took over BBC Radio 2’s ‘Sounds of the 70s’ show after Walker’s retirement. After playing the David Bowie song ‘Golden Years’, Harris said to his listeners: “I’ve known Johnnie since the 1960s when I first started listening to him on pirate radio and we know what an incredible, wonderful, superb broadcaster he was.
“We also know how passionate he was about his music, went out on a limb many times to defend the music that he loved, and he was passionate about radio, and as the ‘60s moved into the ‘70s he and I became increasingly close friends, a friendship that endured right up to the present day.”
