The famous people who have died in 2021

In another year dominated by the pandemic we have once again said farewell to some famous faces.

Here we pay tribute to stars of TV, film, music, sport, and politics who have left us this year.

In February it was announced that 100-year-old Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised almost £33m for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden, had died from coronavirus and in April Prince Philip died just months before his 100th birthday.

Other well-known celebrities to have died during the past 12 months include Saved By The Bell actor Dustin Diamond, who died three weeks after being diagnosed with cancer, and legendary chat show host Larry King, Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding who died aged just 39, and Peaky Blinders star Helen McCrory.

January

Mark Eden

The Coronation Street actor died at the age of 92 on New Year's Day.

He was best known for playing villain Alan Bradley in the ITV soap and is survived by his wife and co-star Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey Roberts.

Mark had been living with Alzheimer's disease for some time and was hospitalised in November.

Born Douglas John Malin, Eden's first screen credit was in 1958 with a role in Quatermass And The Pit.

He later acted in the 1965 film Doctor Zhivago, starring Julie Christie and Omar Sharif, as well as Doctor Who and The Avengers.

His run in Coronation Street ended after his character was killed by a Blackpool tram and Eden later unveiled a plaque at the tram stop where the scene was filmed.

Albert Roux

The chef and restaurateur died at the age of 85.

His family said he had been "unwell for a while" when they announced that he had died on January 4.

Albert was credited, along with his late brother Michel Roux, with starting London's culinary revolution with the opening of Le Gavroche in 1967.

His son Michel Roux Jr said: "He was a mentor for so many people in the hospitality industry, and a real inspiration to budding chefs, including me."

Gerry Marsden

The Gerry and the Pacemakers singer, whose version of You'll Never Walk Alone became a football terrace anthem for his hometown club of Liverpool, died at the age of 78. His family said he died after a short illness not linked to Covid-19.

Marsden's band was one of the biggest success stories of the Merseybeat era and in 1963 became the first to have their first three songs top the chart.

The band's other best known hit, Ferry Cross The Mersey, came in 1964.

It was written by Marsden himself as a tribute to his city and reached number eight.

Marsden was made an MBE in 2003 for services to charity after supporting victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Mick Norcross

A star of hit reality series The Only Way Is Essex, Mick Norcross was 57 when he died.

Norcross was best known as the father of TOWIE regular Kirk Norcross as well as the owner of the popular nightclub Sugar Hut.

He made numerous appearances on TOWIE alongside his son on the programme.

The star was found dead at his home and, according to reports, police are not treating his death as suspicious.

Larry King

The legendary American talk show host, who interviewed a who's who of A-list stars during a glittering career, died at the age of 87.

King hosted Larry King Live on CNN for more than 25 years interviewing presidential candidates, celebrities, athletes, movie stars, and everyday people. He retired in 2010 after taping more than 6,000 episodes of the show.

Former US president Bill Clinton, who was interviewed by King more than 20 times, was among those who paid tribute, describing him as having a "great sense of humour and a genuine interest in people".

February

Dustin Diamond

The Saved By The Bell actor died aged 44 just three weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Diamond, who played Samuel "Screech" Powers on the popular comedy, was taken to hospital in Florida in January after falling ill.

His death was announced at the start of February by Roger Paul, his representative, who said the cause of death was carcinoma.

Mr Paul said: "He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution.

"Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that we are grateful."

He described Diamond – best known for playing Screech, the nerdy sidekick in Saved By The Bell from 1989-1993 – as "a character in and of himself: an unpredictable spitfire who always left us shocked, but never left us bored".

He was a contestant on the 12th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2013 and was evicted on day 16.

Captain Sir Tom Moore

The 100-year-old, who raised almost £33m for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden, died from coronavirus.

The Queen led tributes to Capt Sir Tom "recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world".

His daughters said they "shared laughter and tears" with their father in their final few hours together.

Announcing his death Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira said the last year of their father's life had been "nothing short of remarkable".

The Army veteran won the nation's hearts by walking 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire during the first lockdown, raising money for NHS Charities Together.

He was credited with lifting the nation's spirits and his saying "Tomorrow will be a good day" trended on social media.

Christopher Plummer

Dame Julie Andrews led tributes to her The Sound Of Music co-star who died aged 91.

Dame Julie, 85, who starred opposite Plummer in the 1965 hit, labelled him a "consummate actor" and a "cherished friend".

The actor enjoyed a varied career across film, television, and theatre and in 2012 became the oldest actor to win an Oscar.

He was handed the best supporting actor gong for his part in Beginners.

The official Twitter account for The Oscars shared a tribute to Plummer.

"Christopher Plummer beguiled audiences across generations in memorable roles from Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music to Harlan Thrombey in Knives Out," a statement said.

"He worked steadily for 60-plus years, winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 2012 for Beginners. He will be missed."

Mary Wilson

The Supremes co-founder died suddenly at the age of 76.

The singer, who started the legendary motown group when she was just 15, died on February 8 at her home in Las Vegas.

Just days before her death, the singer had posted a video to her YouTube channel announcing that she was working with Universal Music on releasing solo material, including an unreleased album titled Red Hot which she recorded in the 1970s. She planned to release the record on March 6 – her birthday.

Ronald Pickup

The actor, best known for his roles in the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel films and The Crown, died at the age of 80.

Pickup had a varied career across theatre, film, and television.

His first major part came in 1964 when he starred in Doctor Who episode The Tyrant Of France as a physician.

The actor remained active into later life and continued to star in big-name productions.

In 2016 he featured in the first series of hit Netflix royal drama The Crown as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In 2017 Pickup starred opposite Gary Oldman as former prime minister Neville Chamberlain in Darkest Hour, which told the story of the lead up to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Johnny Briggs

Coronation Street star Johnny Briggs, famous for his role as ladies' man Mike Baldwin, died aged 85 at the end of the month.

The actor was a fixture on the cobbles for 30 years, making his name as the Cockney businessman and becoming one of the ITV soap's most memorable characters.

The Coronation Street Twitter account paid tribute, saying the Baldwin character was "one of the most iconic the Street has ever known".

His storylines included an affair, in the early 1980s, that gripped the nation. Deidre (Anne Kirkbride) and Mike had an illicit relationship two years into her marriage to Ken Barlow (William Roache), but she decided to stay with her husband.

Briggs made his Corrie debut as Baldwin in 1976 and remained on the cobbles until 2006.

His character's death, of a heart attack and having suffered from a form of Alzheimer's, was watched by 12m viewers.

Glenn Roeder

The former West Ham and Newcastle manager died at the age of 65 after a long battle with a brain tumour.

Roeder had a long and established playing career in which he represented the likes of Leyton Orient, QPR, and Newcastle before moving into management.

After starting as a player-manager at Gillingham he later took charge of Watford before moving onto the Hammers and Newcastle and he also had spells at Norwich and at Stevenage as a managerial adviser.

Gary Lineker led the tributes to Roeder, tweeting: "Saddened to hear that Glenn Roeder has died. A real football man who had a great career both on the field and in the dugout. RIP."

March

Trevor Peacock

Dawn French lead tributes to The Vicar Of Dibley star Trevor Peacock, who died aged 89 from a dementia-related illness.

"Night Trev. I love you," the star posted on Twitter along with a picture of herself sitting next to the actor, who played Jim Trott in the much-loved comedy series from its debut episode in 1994.

A member of Dibley Parish Council, his character was famous for his stock response of "No, no, no, no" and his frequent sexual references.

Murray Walker

The voice of Formula One, whose broadcasting spanned more than 50 years, died aged 97.

He worked for the BBC and ITV before retiring from commentating in 2001.

The British Racing Drivers' Club has said in a statement: "A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nation's favourite commentator, and a contagious smile."

Martin Brundle, who commentated alongside Walker in the final years of his career, led the tributes on social media. Writing on Twitter, Brundle said: "Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend."

F1 tweeted: "His passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world. He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed."

Marvin Hagler

Tributes poured in from around around the sporting world following the death of former undisputed world middleweight champion 'Marvelous' Marvin Hagler at the age of 66.

Hagler had ruled the division from 1979 but was dethroned following a controversial defeat by Sugar Ray Leonard in April 1987.

Former WBA and lineal featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan led the tributes on social media, saying: "I'm honoured to have spent some amazing times with him."

Eleven-time world champion Oscar De La Hoya said he was "saddened" by Hagler's death, adding: "One of the greatest to ever step in the ring!"

Promoter Frank Warren said: "Boxing lost an all-time great today."

April

Paul Ritter

The actor, who played dad Martin Goodman in the popular Channel 4 comedy Friday Night Dinner, died after a brain tumour at the age of 54.

He also starred in Sky drama Chernobyl, played Eldred Worple in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and was in James Bond film Quantum of Solace.

Friday Night Dinner creator Robert Popper said he was "a deeply clever, funny, intelligent, kind man" adding: "But he also had that rare thing, he had the common touch, so people could just relate to him."

Prince Philip

Prince Philip died aged 99.

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle

He had been reunited with the Queen weeks earlier after a 28-night stay at a London hospital.

Having recently been treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection his death came just two months before his 100th birthday.

Philip, famously described by the Queen as her “constant strength and guide”, was known to have wanted a minimum of fuss at his funeral.

Nikki Grahame

The former Big Brother star died at the age of 38.

The TV personality had checked into a private hospital with an eating disorder.

Nikki, originally from London, took part in the seventh series of Big Brother in 2006.

She became known for her tantrums, particularly in the Diary Room.

Nikki would often complain to Big Brother about the conditions in the house or fellow contestants, famously shouting "It's so cold," and, on another occasion, asking "Who is she?" after a new housemate joined the show.

She was hugely popular with viewers and was voted back into the house four weeks after she was first evicted. She subsequently finished in fifth place.

Shirley Williams

The former Labour cabinet minister who broke away from the party to form the SDP died aged 90.

In a statement Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey paid tribute to Baroness Williams of Crosby as a "true trailblazer" who had inspired millions.

As a Labour minister Lady Williams served in the governments of Harold Wilson and James Callaghan in the 1970s rising to become education secretary.

However in 1981, having become disillusioned with Labour's drift to the left under Michael Foot, she was one of the original "Gang of Four" to leave the party to form the new centrist SDP.

Sir Ed said that her bravery continued to inspire Liberal Democrats to this day.

John Dawes

The former Wales and Lions captain John Dawes passed away aged 80.

Dawes is the only man to have skippered a triumphant Lions tour of New Zealand while he had the further distinction of both captaining and coaching Wales to Grand Slams.

He also led the Barbarians to their famous victory over the All Blacks in Cardiff in 1973, playing his part in Gareth Edwards’ legendary try.

Dawes had been ill for some time and in hospital since last September.

Helen McCrory

The Peaky Blinders star died at the age of 52 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Her husband, actor Damian Lewis, announced the news in a heartbreaking statement, saying: "I'm heartbroken to announce that after an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family. She died as she lived. Fearlessly.

"God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you."

McCrory was born in Paddington, London, to a Welsh mother and Scottish-born father and was the eldest of three children. She married Lewis in 2007 and they had daughter Manon in 2006 and son Gulliver in 2007.

Les McKeown

The Bay City Rollers singer died at the age of 65.

Formed at the end of the 1960s, the Bay City Rollers enjoyed huge success at home in Scotland and abroad with their distinctive tartan outfits and songs such as Bye Bye Baby and Shang-a-Lang.

They had a massive teen following and were hailed as the "biggest band since the Beatles".

Michael Collins

One of the three crew members of the first manned mission to land on the Moon, Apollo 11 in 1969, he died aged 90.

His family said he died after "a valiant battle" with cancer.

Collins stayed in lunar orbit as his colleagues Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon.

Aldrin, 91, is now the only surviving member of the mission.

May

Nick Kamen

The model and singer died at the age of 59.

The Essex-born star was known for appearing in the now-iconic 1985 Levi's advert filmed in a launderette, pictured below.

His music career peaked the next year with a top five hit Each Time You Break My Heart, co-written by Madonna.

His friend and fellow singer Boy George led the tributes, describing Kamen as "the most beautiful and sweetest man".

Olympia Dukakis

Hollywood’s favourite late bloomer, she was best known for her role in Steel Magnolias and Moonstruck.

Dukakis won an Oscar for best supporting actor for Moonstruck, a 1987 romantic comedy in which she played the mother of the lead character played by Cher opposite Nicolas Cage. Other films included Look Who’s Talking and its sequel, Working Girl, and Mr Holland’s Opus.

Llew Smith

The "radical socialist" died of cancer aged 77.

Mr Smith was MP for Blaenau Gwent from 1992 to 2005 and before that a South Wales East MEP from 1984.

The former Welsh Labour politician had also worked as a miner and was a strong opponent of devolution.

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford paid tribute to him, saying: "Llew was a radical socialist in the Blaenau Gwent tradition.".

Mr Smith campaigned for a no vote in the run-up to the 1997 devolution referendum.

June

Ben Roberts

The Welsh-born actor, best known for playing Derek Conway in The Bill, died aged 70.

Roberts starred in The Bill between 1987 and 2002. He played officer Derek Conway who acted as Chief Superintendent Brownlow's most trusted officer.

The actor who was born and grew up in the Coed Mawr area of Bangor.

July

Elystan Morgan

The former Labour MP died aged 88.

Baron Dafydd Elystan-Morgan sat as a crossbencher in the House of Lords from 1981 to 2020 and served as a Labour MP from 1966 to 1974.

Educated in Aberystwyth he originally stood as a Plaid Cymru candidate, contesting Wrexham three times and Merioneth in 1964.

He joined Labour and was elected as MP for Cardiganshire in 1966, serving as a junior minister from 1968 to 1970 as under-secretary at the Home Office.

He was chairman of the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party between 1971 and 1974. He led the campaign for devolution in 1979.

Richard Donner

Director-producer Richard Donner, best known for the Lethal Weapon film series, The Goonies, and the original Superman film, died aged 91.

Donner's production company confirmed the news of his death though the cause was not disclosed.

Jonathan Coleman

The television and radio presenter Jonathan 'Jono' Coleman died after a four-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 65.

His wife Margot said in a statement: "Jono and I have been soulmates for close to 40 years. We have been fortunate to have lived a rich and wonderful life and I have been lucky enough to watch up-close someone with enormous talent and the special gift to make people laugh."

Andy Fordham

The former world darts champion died at the age of 59.

Fordham, who required a life-saving bowel operation in 2020 and was diagnosed with coronavirus at the start of the year, made headlines in 2004 with a thrilling 6-3 win over Mervyn King in the BDO World Championship final at Lakeside.

After a health scare, where doctors told Fordham his liver was 75% dead, he enrolled on reality TV show Celebrity Fit Club and joined the Professional Darts Corporation in 2009.

The Bristol-born player would later return to the BDO and qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts in 2015 where he claimed a first televised win in 10 years over Wayne Jones.

Dieter Brummer

The Home and Away actor, who played Shane Parrish, was found dead at the age of 45.

He joined the cast of Home and Away in 1992 and became a fan favourite during his time on the show, with his character particularly known for his romance with Angel, played by Melissa George. His acting career had dwindled in recent years and he had been working as a window cleaner.

August

Una Stubbs

The actress, best known for roles in the film Summer Holiday and in the BBC sitcoms Till Death Us Do Part and In Sickness And In Health, died at the age of 84.

The star, who was born in Hertfordshire in 1937, had a career in film, television, and theatre spanning decades, including a recent role as Mrs Hudson in the BBC's Sherlock opposite Benedict Cumberbatch.

The 1963 film Summer Holiday helped to make Stubbs' name after she starred in the musical alongside Sir Cliff Richard.

She went on to star in BBC sitcom Till Death Us Do Part and its sequel In Sickness And In Health playing Rita Rawlings.

Other well-known television roles include Aunt Sally in Worzel Gummidge and Miss Bat in The Worst Witch as well as a role in the Fawlty Towers episode The Anniversary.

Sean Lock

Comedian and 8 Out Of 10 Cats star Sean Lock died from cancer at the age of 58.

Lock, a stand-up comedian, was a regular panellist on TV shows including Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You?, and QI.

He appeared on Channel 4 series 8 Out of 10 Cats, presented by Jimmy Carr, for 10 years from 2005.

A statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions confirmed the news on August 18, saying he was surrounded by his family.

Charlie Watts

The Rolling Stones drummer died in a London hospital just two months after turning 80.

Alongside frontman Sir Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards, Watts was among the longest-standing members of the Stones, which has seen a shifting line-up of musicians including Mick Taylor, Ronnie Wood, and Bill Wyman.

Jagger and Richards shared poignant tributes after the drummer's death was announced.

Ed Asner

The burly and prolific character actor became a star in middle age as the gruff but lovable newsman Lou Grant, first in the hit comedy The Mary Tyler Moore Show and later in the drama Lou Grant.

The 91-year-old carried on acting into his 80s, memorably playing the lonely widower Carl Fredricksen who goes off in search of adventure in his flying house in the 2009 animated film Up.

September

Sarah Harding

The Girls Aloud singer died aged 39 just over a year after announcing she had advanced-stage breast cancer.

On Instagram her mother Marie wrote: "It is with deep heartbreak that today I'm sharing the news that my beautiful daughter Sarah has sadly passed away.

"Many of you will know of Sarah's battle with cancer and that she fought so strongly from her diagnosis until her last day.

"She slipped away peacefully. I'd like to thank everyone for their kind support over the past year."

Sir Clive Sinclair

The inventor and entrepreneur who was instrumental in bringing home computers to the masses died at the age of 81.

He invented the pocket calculator and was best known for popularising the home computer, bringing it to British high-street stores at relatively affordable prices.

Sir Clive became a household name as his products flew off the shelves and was awarded a knighthood in 1983. But he would also become synonymous with one of his less successful inventions – the Sinclair C5 – which would cost him financially.

Jimmy Greaves

Tottenham’s record goalscorer died at the age of 81.

He had suffered a stroke in May 2015 which has left him wheelchair-bound and with severely impaired speech.

Throughout his playing career Jimmy’s strike rate was phenomenal. His Spurs return was 266 goals in 379 appearances between 1961 and 1970 – 220 goals in 321 league games, 32 goals in 36 FA Cup ties, five in just eight League Cup ties and nine in 14 European matches.

A member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, although he did not feature in the final victory over West Germany, Greaves scored 44 goals across 57 senior appearances for the Three Lions. Read more about his career here.

John Challis

The Only Fools And Horses star died “peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer”, aged 79.

He was best-known for his portrayal of unscrupulous second-hand car dealer Boycie in the beloved sitcom alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.

He cancelled a 30-date speaking tour earlier after only one appearance due to ill health.

Sir David described John Challis as “a gentleman in the true sense of the word”. Read more of his tribute here.

Willie Garson

The actor, best known for his role as Stanford Blatch in the original series of Sex and the City, died at the age of 57.

He won the hearts of fans of the popular HBO series, which first aired in 1998 and ran for six seasons, playing Carrie Bradshaw’s closest male friend, the talent agent Stanford. Garson also appeared in the follow-up films, Sex and the City, and Sex and the City 2. He was recently reprising the role in a reboot of the TV series, And Just Like That, which is now airing.

October

James Michael Tyler

The Friends actor died aged 59 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The star was beloved by millions of fans for his portrayal of Gunther, the quirky coffee shop manager with bleached hair and an unrequited love for Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel.

In June he revealed he had prostate cancer, telling a US TV show he was diagnosed with an advanced form of the disease in 2018 which had spread to his bones.

Walter Smith

The football manager died at the age of 73.

Smith achieved cult status at Ibrox leading Rangers to 10 top-flight titles, five Scottish Cups, and six League Cups during two spells with the club.

He won the latter seven titles of Rangers’ remarkable nine-in-a-row run in the 1990s and took the club to the Uefa Cup final in 2008 after returning for a second stint as manager in 2007. Between those stints he also managed Everton and the Scotland national team.

November

Lionel Blair

The legendary showbiz personality died at the age of 92.

The dancer and Give Us a Clue star was a prominent figure on British TV screens since the 70s and in recent years he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and The Real Marigold Hotel.

Born Henry Lionel Ogus in Canada, he moved to Britain when he was just two years old with his family settling at Stamford Hill.

He began performing in plays when he was a child and attended the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford in 1944. The entertainer went on to work in the West End but decided to give up acting in 1947, during which he took up his stage name Lionel Blair.

Yet Lionel really shot into the spotlight in the 1960s by appearing on a number of variety shows as part of his dance troupe. He also went on to star in a number of films such as 1964's A Hard Day's Night and The Beauty Jungle (1964).

Stephen Sondheim

London's West End theatres dimmed their lights to pay tribute to composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim after his death at the age of 91 .

Flowers were also laid outside The Sondheim Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue in honour of the US songwriter who was been praised as a man who "fundamentally shifted an entire art form".

Six of Sondheim's musicals won Tony Awards and he also received a Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award, five Olivier Awards, and he was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Honour.

Theatrical producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who renamed his Queen's Theatre venue after the composer in 2019, said theatre had "lost one of its greatest geniuses and the world has lost one of its greatest and most original writers".

December

Ray Kennedy

Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Kennedy died aged 70.

Kennedy, who also played for Arsenal, suffered from Parkinson's disease in the latter stages of his career and for the rest of his life.

A statement from Liverpool read: "The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool FC are with Ray's family and friends at this sad and difficult time."

Kennedy turned professional at Arsenal, with whom he played for from 1968 until 1974 as a striker, winning the league and FA Cup double before being sold to Liverpool for a club-record fee at the time.

Liverpool signed Kennedy on the day Bill Shankly resigned as manager.

Mike Nesmith

Former Monkees star Michael Nesmith died at the age of 78.

The singer and guitarist was best known as a member of the American pop quartet who achieved international fame in the 1960s but was also a successful novelist and businessman.

A statement from his family said: “With infinite love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes."

Along with vocalist Davy Jones, drummer Micky Dolenz, and bassist Peter Tork, Nesmith recorded some of the decade’s most enduring songs, including I’m A Believer, Daydream Believer, and Last Train To Clarksville.

He also appeared in the group’s successful self-titled television series which first aired between 1966 and 1968.

Jethro

The comedian died after contracting Covid-19.

The Cornish funnyman, who was 73, grew to prominence in the 1980s in Devon and Cornwall before breaking through to a national audience in 1990 on the Des O'Connor Show.

His real name was Geoff Rowe and a statement was posted to the comedian's Facebook page confirming he had died after contracting Covid said that "our lives will never be the same without him".

Richard Rogers

The Italian-born architect, who died aged 88, laid designed the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the Millennium Dome, Heathrow’s Terminal 5, the Lloyd’s building in London and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Among his most famous creations are two of Wales’ most iconic landmarks, the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay as well as the hi-tech 1980s Inmos microprocessor fabrication plant in Newport.

Born in 1933 to an Anglo-Italian family in Florence, he trained at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London before graduating with a master's from Yale.

Carlos Marin

Il Divo singer Carlos Marín died at the age of 53. His death from Covid was announced on Twitter on Sunday, December 19.

The singing group, who toured many times to Wales, penned on the micro-blogging site: "It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that our friend and partner, Carlos Marin, has passed away.

"He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. There will never be another voice or spirit like Carlos.

"For 17 years the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend.

"We hope and pray that his beautiful soul will rest in peace. With Love -- David, Sebastien and Urs."

Janice Long

The legendary radio presenter died aged 66 following a short illness.

The former BBC Radio 1, Radio 2 and Top of the Pops presenter died at home on Christmas Day surrounded by her family.

A lifelong music fan, Long's trailblazing career spanned five decades and saw her break through a number of glass ceilings. She made history as the first woman to have her own daily show on Radio 1 and was also the first woman to present Top of the Pops.

She was also one of the main presenters of the Live Aid charity concert in 1985.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist for racial justice and LGBT rights, died aged 90 on Boxing Day.

Announcing the death, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said it was “another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa”.

An uncompromising foe of apartheid in South Africa, Tutu worked tirelessly and peacefully for its downfall.

The buoyant, blunt-spoken clergyman used his pulpit as the first black bishop of Johannesburg and later Archbishop of Cape Town as well as frequent public demonstrations to galvanise public opinion against racial inequity both at home and globally.

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