Heartbreak as Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell dies aged just 39
Burrell was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in June 2022, which is a highly aggressive form of brain tumour with a life expectancy of 12-18 months.
Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has died aged 39, her family said in a statement.
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The TV star joined the much-loved programme in 2018 and was among the team of specialists who examined and appraised objects brought in by members of the public.
Burrell was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in June 2022, which is a highly aggressive form of brain tumour with a life expectancy of 12-18 months.
In a statement shared to her Instagram on Saturday, her family said: “It is with great sadness that I share the news that Theo passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday afternoon.
“Neither she nor her medical team foresaw this happening quite so quickly.
“She was an incredible person who fought hard for her family, friends and raising awareness of this cruel disease.
“She saw life events like her son’s first day at school and her wedding that a little over four years ago we thought she’d never see.
“The cancer community provided so much comfort and strength to her in her darkest moments.
“But most of all it provided hope, and I think what she would want most of all is for other people to find hope in her story.
“Hope that the statistics aren’t gospel and that one day they’ll be very different.”
Burrell was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 35 after several months of worsening symptoms, and later underwent treatments including life-extending surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The TV star has previously spoken about experiencing “dark thoughts” after her diagnosis and expressed fears that she “wouldn’t see my son’s second birthday”.
“But I’m lucky enough to say I did! And no one can take that away from me,” she wrote in a recent Instagram post.
Burrell also tied the knot with her husband Alex earlier this year, saying in a post on social media that it “feels so nice” to finally be wed after many years together.
Glioblastoma is incurable and there has been no advance in treatments for two decades.
Around 3,200 people a year are diagnosed with it in the UK, of whom around 160 will live for five years or more.
Following her diagnosis, Burrell became a vocal advocate for the fight against the disease, with campaign work focused on increasing government funding, better diagnostic times, and the advancement of clinical trials.
In 2023, she became a patron of Brain Tumour Research, which is a charity dedicated to curing the disease.
Dan Knowles, the chief executive officer of Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are heartbroken that we have lost the phenomenal, determined and truly inspiring Theo Burrell to this devastating disease.
“She was always very open about her prognosis and knew from the outset her cancer was terminal but she was absolutely determined to make a difference for others.
“She constantly inspired us with how big her heart was and we will continue on our mission, driven by everything she taught us.
“Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and with all those who had the privilege of knowing her.”