Stars we said goodbye to in 2015

Cilla Black

“National treasure” Cilla Black died suddenly at her home in the south of Spain in August.

The former pop star and television presenter was 72.

Black – who suffered from hearing problems and arthritis – reportedly died overnight after flying to Spain with her son Robert.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney paid tribute to the entertainer, saying: “Such a shock to hear about Cilla’s passing. She was a lovely girl who infected everyone with her great spirit.”

Jackie Collins

Novelist Jackie Collins passed away in September after a battle with breast cancer.

The 77-year-old sister of actress Joan Collins was described as a trailblazer for women in fiction, having sold more than 500 million novels in more than 40 countries.

Paying tribute to the grandmother of six, her family said: “She lived a wonderfully full life and was adored by her family, friends and the millions of readers who she has been entertaining for over four decades.

“She was a true inspiration, a trail blazer for women in fiction and a creative force. She will live on through her characters but we already miss her beyond words.”

Leonard Nimoy

The Star Trek actor, who played Mr Spock in the show, died at the age of 83 at his home in LA. Nimoy’s son Adam said the cause of his father’s death was end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Nimoy was catapulted to fame for his portrayal of the pointy-eared science officer in the cult TV series, first launched in the 60s and followed by a string of films.

The actor left a poignant final message for fans on his Twitter account.

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015

Tributes to the star were led by US president Barack Obama who said in a statement: “I loved Spock.”

Christopher Lee

Veteran actor Sir Christopher Lee died aged 93.

He appeared in a string of horror films and played a Bond villain in The Man With The Golden Gun. He also had a career renaissance playing Saruman in the Lord Of The Rings films.

He never stopped working and only last year marked his 92nd birthday by releasing a heavy metal version of the Frank Sinatra classic My Way.

Sir Terry Pratchett

In January, best-selling author Sir Terry Pratchett died aged 66 after a very public struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

His death was announced to fans on Twitter in a series of messages shortly after 3pm.

AT LAST, SIR TERRY, WE MUST WALK TOGETHER.

— Terry Pratchett (@terryandrob) March 12, 2015

Terry took Death’s arm and followed him through the doors and on to the black desert under the endless night.

— Terry Pratchett (@terryandrob) March 12, 2015

The End.

— Terry Pratchett (@terryandrob) March 12, 2015

BB King

The blues legend died at the age of 89. His lawyer Brent Bryson said that King, who suffered from diabetes, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas on May 14.

King’s style of singing and guitar playing was an inspiration to scores of musicians, and he mentored stars including Eric Clapton.

He also collaborated with U2 on the 1989 track When Love Comes To Town.

Anne Kirkbride

Tributes flooded in for Coronation Street star Anne Kirkbride, who played the part of the “legendary” Deirdre Barlow. She died in January after a short illness.

Kirkbride, 60, starred in the long-running soap for 44 years, and died in a Manchester hospital.

William Roache, who played her onscreen husband Ken Barlow, said: “I feel Anne’s loss so personally having worked closely with her for over 40 years.

“She was such a loving and vibrant person. You always knew she was there because her laugh was never far away.”

Omar Sharif

In July, the actor – who made one of the greatest entrances in Hollywood history – died at the age of 83. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was an established star in Egyptian cinema when David Lean cast him in the 1962 epic Lawrence Of Arabia.

Cinema audiences watched entranced as he was first seen in the distance as a speck in the sweltering desert, before emerging as a black-clad figure on a camel who challenged the film’s hero, played by Peter O’Toole – making him an international star.

Nanny Pat

The Only Way Is Essex stars Jessica and Mark Wright have paid tribute to their Nanny Pat, who has died at the age of 80.

Nanny Pat – full name Pat Brooker – was a much-loved figure on Towie.

Mark thanked fans on Twitter, saying he was heartbroken but “overwhelmed” by everyone’s support.

“To know good ole Nanny was loved by so many is the best feeling in the world. Thankyou,” he wrote.

Shirley Stelfox

In December, Emmerdale actress Shirley Stelfox died following a short battle with cancer.

A statement from Associated International Management said she passed away peacefully at home with her daughter Helena by her side.

The 74-year-old was best known for her role in ITV’s Emmerdale as Edna Birch, who she played for the last 15 years.

ITV executive producer, John Whiston, said: “The family here at Emmerdale are deeply saddened by Shirley’s passing, it is hard to imagine Emmerdale without her.”

Stuart Baggs

Apprentice star Stuart Baggs died as a result of his asthma, which he had suffered from for many years.

The 27-year-old, who ran a communications firm on the Isle of Man, was found dead at his home in the island’s capital, Douglas, on July 30.

At 21, Baggs was the youngest candidate when he appeared on the BBC One show in 2010.

He was knocked out at the interviews stage and the series was eventually won by Stella English, but he became a cult favourite with his steady stream of catchphrases and his description of himself as “Baggs the brand”.

Lil’ Chris

The singer and reality TV star died aged just 24.  He was found dead by a friend and afterwards his family spoke of his struggle with depression.

The pop star, real name Chris Hardman, shot to fame in Channel 4′s Rock School after Kiss frontman Gene Simmons made him the lead singer of a student band.

He was later offered a solo deal and went on to have a top five hit with Checkin’ It Out in 2006.

Roger Rees

Wales-born West Wing and Cheers actor Roger Rees died at the age of 71.

Rees was an accomplished stage star who won Tony and Olivier Awards in 1982 for his role as the title character in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby.

He was familiar to television audiences as Robin Colcord in 1980s comedy Cheers and more recently as British ambassador Lord John Marbury in cult US political drama The West Wing, from 2000 to 2005.

James Horner

Hollywood director Ron Howard led tributes in June to Oscar-winning Titanic composer James Horner.

According to reports, 61-year-old Horner was killed when his two-seater single-engine plane crashed in southern California.

Brilliant Composer James Horner, friend & collaborator on 7 movies has tragically died in a plane crash. My heart aches for his loved ones.

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 23, 2015

George Cole

Minder star George Cole died in August at the age of 90.

Cole, whose showbusiness career spanned 70 years, is best remembered for his portrayal of small-time wheeler dealer and crook Arthur Daley in the TV show Minder, alongside his likeable bodyguard Terry McCann, played by Dennis Waterman.

The show, which ran from 1979 to 1994, brought the criminal underworld of west London to millions of homes up and down the country.

Stephen Lewis

Actor Stephen Lewis, known for his role in sitcom On The Buses, died aged 88, his family said.

The star died peacefully on August 13 in the Cambridge Nursing Home, in Wanstead, east London.

He was “in high spirits” right until the end, his niece Rebecca Lewis said.

Joy Beverley

One of the three members of 1950s’ group The Beverley Sisters, died in September.

A family friend confirmed Beverley, 91, died after suffering a stroke.

Her son, Vince, 67, told the Express & Star newspapers: “We all thought the world of her and we are devastated she is gone. We are a very close-knit family.”

Peter Baldwin

Actor Peter Baldwin, best known for his 21-year role as Derek Wilton in Coronation Street, died aged 82.

A Coronation Street spokesman was quoted on the ITV News website saying: “It is with great sadness we’ve learned respected former Coronation Street actor Peter Baldwin has died. Peter passed away at his home in north London after a short illness.”

Tributes poured in from friends and colleagues. Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Corrie’s Jenny Bradley, posted on Twitter: “Lovely Peter Baldwin. Such a gentle, kind, funny man and a wonderful actor and toy shop purveyor.”

Warren Mitchell

Actor Warren Mitchell, best known for playing Alf Garnett, was 89 when he died in November.

A statement from the Till Death Us Do Part star’s family said: “Sadly we can confirm Warren Mitchell died in the early hours of Saturday November 14 surrounded by his family.

“He has been in poor health for some time, but was cracking jokes to the last.”

Cynthia Lennon

John Lennon’s first wife Cynthia died in April at her home in Spain, her family said.

A message on her son Julian’s website said she died “following a short but brave battle with cancer”.

It said: “Her son Julian Lennon was at her bedside throughout. The family are thankful for your prayers.”

Errol Brown

The Hot Chocolate frontman Errol Brown died aged 71, his manager said.

The singer, famous for hits including You Sexy Thing and It Started With A Kiss, died at home in the Bahamas.

His manager, Phil Dale, said he had suffered from liver cancer.

Alex Giannini

Legendary actor Alex Giannini died aged 52 in October.

The star, who appeared alongside Tom Hardy in the new movie about twin gangsters the Krays, was pronounced dead shortly before he was due to take to the stage in Plymouth.

Officials said Mack And Mabel at the Theatre Royal was cancelled an hour before the curtain was due to come up for the start of the show.

Ray McFall

Former Cavern Club owner Ray McFall, who helped The Beatles rise to fame in their native Liverpool, died in January.

The club, which he owned and ran during the heyday of Merseybeat, confirmed the news.

Its current director Jon Keats said: “It is fair to say that without Ray we wouldn’t still be doing what we’re doing today.

“He was an integral part of the Merseybeat explosion that changed the world of music forever.”

Lance Percival

Actor and TV personality Lance Percival, who first found fame performing on That Was The Week That Was alongside its host David Frost, died aged 81.

He regularly performed comedy calypso songs on the classic satire show.

His version of the song, Shame And Scandal In The Family, was a top 40 hit in October 1965.

Brian Clemens

The 83-year-old screenwriter, who wrote shows including The Avengers and The Professionals, died aged 83 in January.

His son George said he died in hospital in London.

Clemens started his working life in advertising before breaking into the film and TV industry, writing scripts for low-budget thrillers.

Trevor Ward-Davies “Dozy”

1960s’ chart star Trevor Ward-Davies, better known as Dozy from Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, died aged 70.

His bandmate Ian Amey, better known as Tich, told The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: “He was very good fun to be with, a very good friend for many, many years and he will be terribly missed.

“It was his band. It all started off with Dozy before it ever got to Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich.”

Geraldine McEwan

Actress Geraldine McEwan, known for playing Agatha Christie sleuth Miss Marple on television, died peacefully following a stroke, at the age of 82.

McEwan starred in the role of the spinster consultant detective Jane Marple in 12 TV films aired on ITV.

The Bafta award winner had a long and successful career in theatre, television and films which saw her work with the likes of Sir Laurence Olivier and Kenneth Williams.

Henning Mankell

Sir Kenneth Branagh led tributes to Swedish crime fiction author and Wallander creator, Henning Mankell.

Branagh, who played Inspector Kurt Wallander in the UK TV adaptation of Mankell’s books, described the “passionate commitment” of the author who died in his sleep in Gothenburg, Sweden aged 67.

The author had suffered from cancer, revealing his diagnosis in January 2014 in a newspaper column for The Guardian and a Swedish daily.