Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell has died at the age of 39 after a four-year battle with brain cancer.
Burrell was diagnosed with glioblastoma in June 2022, a highly aggressive and incurable brain tumour, which has a life expectancy of only 12 to 18 months.
In June this year she marked four years since her diagnosis before passing away on Wednesday 8 July, a statement by her family confirmed.
The statement reads in full: “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.”
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Burrell was born on 1 September 1986 in Edinburgh, Scotland and developed an interest in antiques from a young age. In 2018 she joined the cast of Antiques Roadshow as an expert and specialist who appraises objects brought in by members of the public.
She was diagnosed with glioblastoma aged 35 after worsening symptoms including headaches, sickness and vision problems. She later underwent treatments including life-extending surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Following her diagnosis, Burrell became an advocate for the fight against the disease, and in 2023 she became a patron of Brain Tumour Research, a charity dedicated to finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.
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Its chief executive Dan Knowles paid tribute to Burrell, saying: “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.”
In the years since her diagnosis she was able to see her son start school and recently married her long-term partner Alex.
To find out more about the work of Brain Tumour Research and ways in which you can get involved, visit its website.
Authors
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.
