Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell dies aged 39

Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has died aged 39, her family said in a statement.

Ms Burrell joined the BBC show in 2018, and was among the team of specialists who examined and appraised items brought in by members of the public.

The TV star was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and incurable form of brain tumour with a life expectancy of 12-18 months, in June 2022.

Following her diagnosis, she became a vocal advocate for the fight against the disease, with campaign work focused on increasing government funding, improved diagnostic times, and the advancement of clinical trials. She became a patron of Brain Tumour Research in 2023.

In a statement shared on her Instagram account on Saturday, Ms Burrell's 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."

The statement continued: "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."

Ms Burrell was diagnosed 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 had previously discussed having "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.

Ms Burrell married her husband Alex earlier this year, saying on social media that it "feels so nice" to finally be wed after many years together.

Around 3,200 people a year are diagnosed with Glioblastoma in the UK, of whom about 160 will live for five years or more.

There has been no advance in treatments for two decades.

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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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell dies aged 39