The You’ve Been Framed host died unexpectedly aged just 59 after a secret struggle with cancer, leaving fans and the entertainment industry reeling from their sad loss
For three years, one of the nation’s top TV hosts suffered through a near-silent journey with cancer.
Television presenter Jeremy Beadle was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2005. At the time, he vowed that the show must gone on, insisting: “It is business as usual. There is no disruption to my life, nor will there be. It doesn’t change a thing about how I live.”
He also lived with Poland Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which stunted the growth of his right hand and had a kidney tumour removed just 10 months before his death in 2008.
As an ITV mainstay for numerous years, Beadle consistently attracted viewing figures exceeding 15 million for Beadle’s About and You’ve Been Framed. Many will remember the scenes from the iconic shows, with You’ve Been Framed being axed in 2022 after more than four decades bringing laughter to families across the UK.
Despite living with cancer, the presenter and author died unexpectedly with his wife Sue and daughters Cassie and Bonnie by his bedside. It later emerged that he’d contracted pneumonia and couldn’t shake it on account of his compromised immune system.
Agent Nick Canham said at the time: “It was a very serious bout of pneumonia and it proved too much for Jeremy’s immune system. His family were with him when he died and are all devastated.”
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Born in Hackney, East London, in April 1948, Beadle went to school in Orpington, Kent. He travelled the world before returning and working as a taxi driver, tour guide and music festival promoter. Beadle became a presenter on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4. He got a job as chairman of Animal, Vegetable, Mineral? and late night Radio 2 show, Nightline.
He also worked for LBC London during the 70s and Capital Radio. His TV breakthrough came with Game For A Laugh in 1981 with Kelly, Kennedy and Matthew Kelly. The show ran until 1985.
Beadle’s About followed from 1987 to 1996. And You’ve Been Framed ran from 1990 to 1997.
He dedicated much of his life to fundraising for Children with Leukaemia and is believed to have generated over £100 million for various charitable causes. The year prior to his death he released three new books, and had been developing several television format ideas.
Henry Kelly, Beadle’s co-host on the Eighties hidden camera programme Game For A Laugh, said: “Jeremy and I were firm friends for nearly 30 years. I loved and admired him and I shall miss him desperately.
“Not only was he a terrific colleague in our Game For A Laugh days and beyond, but he was a most wonderful friend to have and the most entertaining company you could possibly imagine.”
Beadle was once voted the most disliked celebrity on television. But his ITV shows were such a success, with 15 million regularly watching, that people who found themselves in embarrassing situations would jokingly look around for Beadle in the street.
Dianne Nelmes, executive producer of the series when it launched, said: “He was one of the most genuine, hard-working, lovely people I have ever worked with.
“Because of You’ve Been Framed and Beadle’s About he had a reputation as someone who was forever playing tricks on people, but in reality he was the kindest person you could ever meet,” said Nelmes, who went on to become ITV’s director of lifestyle programming.
“At the end of each show he would spend hours chatting to members of the public who had appeared on it. Even when he was exhausted, he would always find the time to talk to them all.
“He was utterly professional and a lovely man. His death is tragic.”
On February 2, 2008, ITV dedicated that day’s episode of You’ve Been Framed to Beadle and promoted a tribute webpage to him over the show’s credits. The channel’s official tribute to Jeremy Beadle was broadcast on February 4, 2008 where various celebrity friends including Alan Sugar paid tribute.
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