Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has died aged 39, her family has confirmed in a statement – the television personality was described as an ‘incredible person’ with a ‘big heart’
Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has passed away at the age of 39, her family confirmed in a statement. The television personality joined the BBC show in 2018 and was part of the team of experts who evaluated and valued items brought in by the public.
Burrell was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in June 2022, an extremely aggressive type of brain tumour with a life expectancy of 12-18 months. In a statement posted 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 illness at the age of 35 after several months of deteriorating symptoms, and subsequently underwent treatments including life-prolonging surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The television personality has previously opened up about grappling with “dark thoughts” following her diagnosis and voiced concerns 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 penned in a recent Instagram post.
Burrell also exchanged vows with her husband Alex earlier this year, expressing on social media that it “feels so nice” to finally be married after many years together.
Glioblastoma is incurable and there has been no progress in treatments for two decades.
Approximately 3,200 people a year are diagnosed with it in the UK, of whom around 160 will survive for five years or more.
After her diagnosis, Burrell became a passionate advocate in the battle against the disease, with her campaign work centred on boosting government funding, improving diagnostic times, and advancing clinical trials.
In 2023, she took on the role of patron for Brain Tumour Research, a charity committed to finding a cure for the disease.
Dan Knowles, the chief executive officer of Brain Tumour Research, stated: “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.”