Entertainment
‘You are the best of us’: Piers Morgan and Adele Roberts lead tributes to Dame Deborah James after death at age 40-Louise Griffin-Entertainment – Metro
Dame Deboah James died after months of raising more than £6million for Cancer Research UK.
Tributes have poured in for the late Dame Deborah James (Picture: bowelbabe)
Piers Morgan and Adele Roberts have led tributes to Dame Deborah James, who has died at the age of 40.
BBC podcast presenter, campaigner and blogger James, who was also known as Bowelbabe, spent the final months of her life raising more than £6million for Cancer Research UK.
Her loved ones announced her death in an emotional Instagram post, sharing photos of her smiling and videos of her dancing.
Tributes have poured in from stars, with Adele Roberts, who was recently given the all-clear following a battle with bowel cancer, writing: ‘My heart hurts 💔
‘Thank you for everything Deborah. Thank you for being so strong for so long and helping others when you were in so much pain yourself.
‘You are the best of us. Thinking of your family and friends and I am forever grateful to you for helping me and my family ❤️
‘Rebellious hope forever 🙏🏽.’
Piers Morgan said: ‘RIP Dame Deborah James, aka Bowel Babe. A truly remarkable and inspiring woman. Such sad news.’
BBC Director General Tim Davie also paid tribute, saying: ‘This is incredibly sad news. Dame Deborah James was a true inspiration. We’re so proud to have worked with her at the BBC.
‘The way she talked about, and faced up to her cancer, moved the nation, inspired change, and undoubtedly saved lives. Our deepest sympathies are with her family, friends, followers, and her 5 Live family.’
Rylan Clark-Neal simply wrote: ‘Deborah James ❤️.’
Dan Walker added: ‘What a woman. What a legacy. I’m glad her family were able to spend so much time with her at the end.’
Alison Hammond said: ‘Such Sad News . RIP Dame Deborah James ! Condolences to her family.’
Charlene White tweeted: ‘Cancer’s rubbish. Being a kid who loses a parent to cancer’s rubbish. Being a kid watching a parent fade away cos of cancer is rubbish. In the midst of all that Dame Deborah educated millions about cancer’s reality. I’m honoured to have shared the fight with her. Debs, thank-you.’
Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins went on to say: ‘Oh no…heartbreaking news that @bowelbabe has left us.
‘What an inspiration, a truly special person who saved lives & did so much to help others. Who showed that even a terminal diagnosis wasn’t going to stop her living life to the full. So much love to her family & friends.’
First Dates personality Fred Sirieix tweeted: ‘Deborah James passed away. Poor thing. RIP.’
Carol Vorderman said: ‘Rest in peace @Bowelbabe. Your incredible spirit will live on.’
Dame Deborah updated fans on her battle with cancer, and her activities during the final weeks of her life (Picture: Instagram)
She urged fans to have ‘rebellious hope’ (Picture: Instagram @bowelbabe)
Comedian Mark Watson added: ‘Goodbye to @bowelbabe, a person of unbelievable tenacity who turned the worst possible situation into an opportunity to inspire and educate. RIP.’
James’ loved ones shared the news of her death with a statement reading: ‘Dame Deborah James.
‘We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.
‘Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.
James was honoured with a Damehood for her incredible campaigning work (Picture: Graham Prentice / @bowelbabe)
James raised more than £6million for Cancer Research UK (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
‘Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.
‘We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah’s legacy long into the future through the @bowelbabefund.
‘Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible.
‘And a few final things from Deborah…“find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.” x (Shared with Deborah’s permission).’
James was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in December 2016 and was told early on that she may not live beyond five years.
She had charted her cancer journey on her Instagram account as well as her podcast; You, Me and the Big C alongside Steve Bland and Lauren Mahon.
James had undergone many operations and treatments, including experimental drugs, throughout her bowel cancer battle, including a stay in hospital in July 2021 after finding out an aggressive new tumour near her liver had wrapped itself around her bile duct, causing an infection.
In May, James moved into end-of-life hospice care. During the final months of her life, she launched the Bowelbabe fund for Cancer Research UK, which has so far raised more than £6million.
In recognition of her incredible efforts, she received a Damehood, and received a visit from Prince William who heaped praise on the star.
Entertainment – MetroRead More
