The year 2025 has been marked by profound loss across the entertainment world, as a host of much-loved television stars and cultural icons passed away. From legendary sitcom actors to global music figures and reality TV personalities, the tributes have poured in for those who shaped British screens and beyond.
A Solemn Year for Entertainment
The year began with the tragic death of James Lee Williams, the RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner known as The Vivienne, on January 3 at just 32. A coroner later ruled his death was due to misadventure following cardiorespiratory arrest induced by ketamine use. The solemn tone continued throughout the months, with losses felt from soap operas to rock music.
In June, the nation said goodbye to cleaning guru Kim Woodburn, the outspoken star of How Clean Is Your House, who died at 83 following a short illness. Just weeks later, on July 22, the world of music mourned the loss of Ozzy Osbourne. The Black Sabbath legend and reality TV star passed away at 76, shortly after his farewell performance at Birmingham's Villa Park.
Beloved Faces from Soaps and Sitcoms
The acting community suffered several heavy blows. Iconic actress Prunella Scales, forever remembered as the formidable Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, died peacefully at home in London on October 27 at the age of 92. Her sons shared that she had been watching her classic show the day before she passed.
John Stapleton, the veteran GMTV broadcaster described as a 'journalistic hero' by Kate Garraway, died on September 21 at 79 after battling Parkinson's disease and pneumonia. The soap world lost Tony Adams, who played Adam Chance in Crossroads, on October 25 at 84, and Tony Caunter, beloved for his role as Roy Evans in EastEnders, on October 13 at 88.
Other notable losses included Patricia Routledge, the brilliant Dame behind Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, who died in her sleep on October 3 at 96. Waterloo Road actor William Rush, 31, died on December 17, with his mother, former Coronation Street actress Debbie Rush, paying emotional tribute to his organ donor legacy.
Stars from Sport, Reality TV and Film
The year also saw the passing of figures from diverse corners of public life. Boxer and Dancing on Ice participant Ricky Hatton, 46, was found dead at his home on September 14, with police not treating the death as suspicious. Former Big Brother star and friend of Prince William, Ben Duncan, 45, died on October 30 after a fall from a West London hotel rooftop.
From Hollywood, Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton (Annie Hall, The Godfather) died on October 11 at 79. The entertainment world also bid farewell to Jerry Adler (Hesh from The Sopranos) at 96, Hulk Hogan at 71, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Theo from The Cosby Show), who drowned aged 54 off Costa Rica.
The list of those lost extended to many more, including Wire star James Ransone (46), Buffy actress Michelle Trachtenberg (39), Charmed actor Julian McMahon (56), and Love Actually actress Jo Bacon (72). Each departure has left a unique void in the cultural landscape they helped to define.
As 2025 draws to a close, these passings remind us of the enduring impact these personalities had through their work, bringing laughter, drama, music, and unforgettable moments into homes across the UK and the world.
