UK celebrities who have died in 2023 from Paul O'Grady to George Alagiah

We are currently only halfway through the years and already 2023 has been a very sad year.

Indeed, the year has seen some of our favourite celebrities pass away. Some because of old age and some from obscure and shocking circumstances.

The most endearing

One of the most shocking deaths of the year has been the passing of Paul O’Grady on 28 March 2023.

The comedian started to make waves in the 1980’s as his drag personal Lily Savage took the London gay scene by storm! Savage was, The Guardian explains, ‘foul-mouthed’ not hesitating to ‘insult’ the audience. This alter ego allowed O’Grady, who at first worked as a caretaker, to ‘voice to the anger (he) was otherwise unable to express.’

Lily Savage became a phenomenon and made TV appearances on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. To everyone’s surprise, O’Grady retired Savage in 2005 and he took the spotlight, as himself. He hosted the Paul O’Grady Show and Paul O’Grady Live.

He was candid and stood up for causes he believed in. Paul O’Grady passed away at 67 from ‘sudden cardiac arrhythmia.’

Read more:Paul O’Grady’s ex-wife reveals rare details into their unique marriage: 'We forgot to get divorced'

The most shocking deaths of 2023

On 25 June 2023, it was confirmed that remains found in California mountains belonged to British actor Julian Sands. The news came after five months of searching for the actor who had gone on a hike in January.

The year also saw other actors pass away including Glenda Jackson. The two time Academy Award winner was known for her work in The Maids (1975) and Elizabeth is Missing (2019). But she was also known for having a political career. Indeed, she was part of the Labour Party and worked as a Member of Parliament.

She died 15 June 2023 at the age of 87 after a brief illness.

Read more:Maggie Smith suffers from this very rare condition: What is Grave's disease?

Sources:

The Guardian: Paul O’Grady obituary

The Mirror: Paul O'Grady's cause of death revealed ahead of funeral after star died 'unexpectedly' at 67

Sky News: Julian Sands search: Human remains found in California mountains where British actor disappeared