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Tributes paid as Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell dies aged 39

Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell has sadly died at the age of 39, four years after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

The much-loved auctioneer and antiques specialist became a familiar face on the BBC series after joining Antiques Roadshow in 2018. Throughout her illness, Theo also inspired many by sharing honest updates about her diagnosis and treatment.

She is survived by her husband, Alex, and their young son.

Alex announced the heartbreaking news of Theo’s death in a moving post shared on her Instagram over the weekend.

Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell dies aged 39

The statement read: “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.

“She saw life events like her son’s first day at school and her wedding that a little over 4 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.”

Tributes pour in for ‘inspiring’ Theo Burrell following death announcement

Underneath the Instagram post, Theo’s followers quickly paid tribute to her. One person said: “I’m so sorry Theo was such a beautiful person inside and out and such an inspiration to me.”

Another wrote: “I am heartbroken for her family. Theo has been so inspiring and strong.”

Someone else added: “Heartbreaking news. Theo has been a support and inspiration to so many people and faced her own diagnosis with such courage.”

Theo Burrell’s cancer diagnosis

Theo received her cancer diagnosis in June 2022. She was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumour. It typically carries a life expectancy of 12-18 months.

She first became unwell during the winter of 2021. Theo told BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland programme midway through 2023.

She said: “I wasn’t diagnosed until the June of 2022, so [I had] five or six months of increasingly worsening symptoms – headaches, sickness, problems with my vision, very, very pressurised pains in my head, migraines – the list went on.

“And it wasn’t until I went to A&E at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh that I was given the diagnosis. I had absolutely no idea it was coming, it was a huge shock.”

It wasn’t until the following day that the news really sank in.

She said: “I was told there and then really in no uncertain terms I will be losing my life to this… it was just shocking.”

In June 2023, Theo revealed she had just a “year or two left” to live. She posted on social media giving a “HUGE thank you” to those who had “been in touch” over the past few days. She added: “It’s been wonderful to receive so many messages and words of support.”

Cancer helped her to ‘enjoy the present’

Theo learned to live with her diagnosis. She told Brain Tumour Research in August 2023 that she’d found herself able to “live day to day and enjoy the present”.

“I used to always live in the future,” she said. “I was always working on the next auction which was months down the line.”

She helped the organisation drum up over eighty thousand signatures for a petition calling for increased investment into brain cancer.

Theo continued to share health updates on social media throughout her treatment.

Despite undergoing surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she revealed “with some heartbreak” that her cancer had started to regrow in October 2024.

Theo’s openness about her illness and determination to raise awareness touched many people throughout her journey, with tributes continuing to pour in following the news of her death.

Actress Wai Ching Ho has died at age 82.

Wai memorably played Madame Gao in the Marvel shows Iron Hand, Daredevil, and The Defenders, as well as Constance Wu’s on-screen grandmother in the 2019 film Hustlers. 

Born in Hong Kong, Wai’s illustrious acting career dates back decades – and includes appearances in big name shows including One Life To Live, Orange Is The New Black, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Flight of the Conchords, Fresh Off The Boat, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, Law & Order, and Only Murders In The Building. 

Ching’s talents extended beyond the screen; she has also acted on stage, with roles in Laowang: A Chinatown King Lear, Snow in Midsummer, Endlings. 

Wai’s representative confirmed the loss with The Daily Mail, with her family saying in a statement: ‘Her family are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of love and support and the many beautiful messages and memories people have shared about our beloved Wai. Reading how much she meant to so many is comforting to us during this difficult time.’

Tributes from Wai’s former castmates remember the ‘stellar artist’ who served as a ‘pillar’ to them both on and off stage.  

Actress Wai Ching Ho has died at age 8

Wai memorably played Madame Gao in the Marvel shows Iron Hand, Daredevil, and The Defenders, as well as Constance Wu’s on-screen grandmother in the 2019 film Hustlers

‘I won’t ever forget you,’ Actor Peter Shinkoda posted to his Instagram. ‘I learned every minute from you when we were together on and off set. I know wisdom – I’d hang on your every word. We will meet again, my friend. You were beautiful.’

Actor and filmmaker Judy Lei wrote of Wai: ‘Wai Ching was super kind and generous when she played the Chinese School teacher in my first film back in 2019. We had lost our filming location close to midnight the night before and I broke the news to her in the morning. 

‘She came to the new location, all prepped and ready to play—she even brought her own outfit. I forgot to have her sign some paperwork and went to her home a few days later to have her sign it. She never displayed an ounce of disappointment in my lack of experience. 

‘That type of grace is something I’ll never forget. She came to the NYC Premiere at @asiancinevision #aaiff and I was once again embarrassed and unsure if she likes the venue or the how the film turned out. She did and I am so grateful for her to have said yes to the project.

‘I first saw her as Grandma in CHILDREN OF INVENTION. That red envelope scene at Ping’s still hits hard because the two kids stepped into adult roles (unknowingly) and Wai’s character was cautious of the situation & was protective. Thank you for writing such a real/human character @thetzechun. I’m so sad to hear of her passing.’

Actor Mahira Kakkar posted: ‘I had the enormous good fortune to work with Wai Ching Ho and to share a dressing room with her. She was incredible- warm, funny, caring, joyful, positive and a truly wonderful actor. At the age of 82? 83? she played a lead role -basically a female King Lear, and was riveting She would say to us- Eat two slices of raw ginger every day and you won’t get sick! 

‘For those of us who did not have a lot of role models and mentors in the industry Wai was a pillar. I am deeply grateful I got to know her and I am very sad she is gone. She also utterly refused to speak ill of anyone. 

‘My dear Wai you deserve all the standing ovations- what a stellar human and a stellar artist. What an example of how to live.’ 

Wai’s colleagues appear to be the one to have broken the news of her passing. A cause of death is not known.

Wai as Madame Gao in the 2015 show Daredevil 

Wai with Sigourney Weaver in a scene from the Marvel show The Defenders

Heartbroken colleagues paid tribute to the actress who they admired so much  

I’m so sad to hear of her passing,’ Judy Lei wrote of the late star The Daily Mail has reached out to a representative for Wai but has not yet heard back. 

According to IMDb, Wai first appeared on the big screen in the Robin Williams and Tim Robbin’s 1990 dark comedy, Cadillac Man.

She enjoyed an active acting career ever since. h

Actress Wai Ching Ho has died at age 82.

Wai memorably played Madame Gao in the Marvel shows Iron Hand, Daredevil, and The Defenders, as well as Constance Wu’s on-screen grandmother in the 2019 film Hustlers. 

Born in Hong Kong, Wai’s illustrious acting career dates back decades – and includes appearances in big name shows including One Life To Live, Orange Is The New Black, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Flight of the Conchords, Fresh Off The Boat, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, Law & Order, and Only Murders In The Building. 

Ching’s talents extended beyond the screen; she has also acted on stage, with roles in Laowang: A Chinatown King Lear, Snow in Midsummer, Endlings. 

Wai’s representative confirmed the loss with The Daily Mail, with her family saying in a statement: ‘Her family are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of love and support and the many beautiful messages and memories people have shared about our beloved Wai. Reading how much she meant to so many is comforting to us during this difficult time.’

Tributes from Wai’s former castmates remember the ‘stellar artist’ who served as a ‘pillar’ to them both on and off stage.  

Actress Wai Ching Ho has died at age 8

Wai memorably played Madame Gao in the Marvel shows Iron Hand, Daredevil, and The Defenders, as well as Constance Wu’s on-screen grandmother in the 2019 film Hustlers

‘I won’t ever forget you,’ Actor Peter Shinkoda posted to his Instagram. ‘I learned every minute from you when we were together on and off set. I know wisdom – I’d hang on your every word. We will meet again, my friend. You were beautiful.’

Actor and filmmaker Judy Lei wrote of Wai: ‘Wai Ching was super kind and generous when she played the Chinese School teacher in my first film back in 2019. We had lost our filming location close to midnight the night before and I broke the news to her in the morning. 

‘She came to the new location, all prepped and ready to play—she even brought her own outfit. I forgot to have her sign some paperwork and went to her home a few days later to have her sign it. She never displayed an ounce of disappointment in my lack of experience. 

‘That type of grace is something I’ll never forget. She came to the NYC Premiere at @asiancinevision #aaiff and I was once again embarrassed and unsure if she likes the venue or the how the film turned out. She did and I am so grateful for her to have said yes to the project.

‘I first saw her as Grandma in CHILDREN OF INVENTION. That red envelope scene at Ping’s still hits hard because the two kids stepped into adult roles (unknowingly) and Wai’s character was cautious of the situation & was protective. Thank you for writing such a real/human character @thetzechun. I’m so sad to hear of her passing.’

Actor Mahira Kakkar posted: ‘I had the enormous good fortune to work with Wai Ching Ho and to share a dressing room with her. She was incredible- warm, funny, caring, joyful, positive and a truly wonderful actor. At the age of 82? 83? she played a lead role -basically a female King Lear, and was riveting She would say to us- Eat two slices of raw ginger every day and you won’t get sick! 

‘For those of us who did not have a lot of role models and mentors in the industry Wai was a pillar. I am deeply grateful I got to know her and I am very sad she is gone. She also utterly refused to speak ill of anyone. 

‘My dear Wai you deserve all the standing ovations- what a stellar human and a stellar artist. What an example of how to live.’ 

Wai’s colleagues appear to be the one to have broken the news of her passing. A cause of death is not known.

Wai as Madame Gao in the 2015 show Daredevil 

Wai with Sigourney Weaver in a scene from the Marvel show The Defenders

Heartbroken colleagues paid tribute to the actress who they admired so much  

I’m so sad to hear of her passing,’ Judy Lei wrote of the late star The Daily Mail has reached out to a representative for Wai but has not yet heard back. 

According to IMDb, Wai first appeared on the big screen in the Robin Williams and Tim Robbin’s 1990 dark comedy, Cadillac Man.

She enjoyed an active acting career ever since. 

Ann Widdecombe’s secluded Devon home was back on TV only days before the former politician was found dead inside the property.

The home featured in a repeat of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House, giving viewers a rare glimpse inside the house she called home years after the episode was first filmed.

A video tour showed Ann welcoming cameras into her Haytor property, which she had named “Widdecombe’s Rest”. 

The Independent reported that, according to TV listings, Quest re-broadcast the episode of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House at 6pm on Thursday July 2. It had originally aired in 2022.

Ann was found dead at her home on Thursday, July 9. Police believe she died on July 8 following an attack.

Inside Ann Widdecombe’s home as seen on Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House

Ann Widdecombe welcomed host Angus Ashworth into the property she bought for an estimated £600,000 in 2008. The Sun obtained footage, which you can see here.

During the tour, she showed him around her library and shared some of her treasured antiques.

Viewers also got a rare look at several parts of the bungalow, including the front door, garden, conservatory, gym, library, kitchen and dining area.

Police investigation continues after Ann Widdecombe was found dead at the property

Just a week after the repeat aired, police found Ann dead inside the Devon bungalow. Officers said she had suffered serious injuries.

Counter Terrorism Policing has since taken over the investigation as “new information and evidence has come to light”.

He added: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.

“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.

“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.

“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”

Devon and Cornwall Police had earlier said there was “nothing to suggest” the killing was terrorism-related or politically motivated. Assistant chief constable Matt Longman also said on Sunday that officers were not looking for any other suspects.

Police arrested a 28-year-old suspect shortly afterwards on Saturday night on suspicion of Ann’s murder. He was later re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Detectives believe Ann was attacked on Wednesday (July 8) at about 12.30pm. As the investigation continues, officers have urged anyone with information to come forward while they work to establish the motive behind the attack.

Jeremy Vine was left in tears on Channel 5 this week as he reflected on the tragic death of Ann Widdecombe.

While discussing the latest developments in the investigation, the presenter was left fighting back tears after hearing just how much the former politician had valued their friendship.

Jeremy Vine overcome with emotion over Ann Widdecombe’s death

Music stars’ messages to England team

Jeremy was on air on Monday, July 13, when guest Iain Dale paid a heartfelt tribute to Ann, who was found dead at her Devon home last Thursday following an alleged attack.

Speaking about her affection for the Channel 5 programme, Iain told Jeremy: “She loved your programme, she loved coming on it. She loved your viewers and she loved you. You were part of her family and she really spoke very highly of you, and I know you went out of your way to be kind to her.”

Clearly moved by the comments, Jeremy struggled to compose himself.

He said: “Well, that is too much to hear that today. Thank you very much, Iain,” as he choked back tears.

Viewers were quick to share messages of support on X after the emotional exchange. One person wrote: “As a viewer it was easy to see you got on so well together. You had a lovely relationship. It must be so hard for you all. Rest in peace Ann.”

Another posted: “Hope you’re doing ok Jeremy @theJeremyVine. A tough piece to do.”

A third added: “The genuine friendship was clear to us viewers.”

The touching moment came as the programme also covered the latest developments in the investigation into Ann’s death. Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation after new evidence came to light.

Ann was 78. She was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday, July 9. Police believe she died on July 8.

What Ann’s final texts revealed

Jeremy also revealed that Ann had been due to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on Wednesday, July 8. However, text exchanges showed she stopped responding to a Channel 5 producer.

In messages later made public by ITV News, Ann wrote at 12.19pm: “Received! Panic over!!”

But she did not respond to a Zoom link sent at 12.48pm. The producer then messaged at 12.55pm: “Hi Ann is everything okay?”

There was no reply from Ann.

A 28-year-old white British man was first arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. Police have since rearrested him on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Police statement on Ann Widdecombe’s death

This week, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said in a statement: “Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.

“Specialist officers from across the CTP network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week.

“New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.

“The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.”

Alison Hammond and boyfriend David Puttnam are back in the spotlight after the This Morning host brushed off criticism of their 22-year age gap.

Alison, 51, has been in a relationship with Russian model and massage therapist David Puttnam, 28, since 2023.

Who is David Puttnam?

David Puttnam has been described in reports as a Russian model and massage therapist.

He has been linked to Alison Hammond since 2023.

Coverage of the relationship has frequently focused on the couple’s 22-year age gap.

• Nationality reported: Russian
• Work reported: model and massage therapist
• Relationship publicly linked since: 2023

Alison made her stance clear in a new interview. She has little interest in outside judgment.

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When asked about people using the word “toyboy” to describe David, Alison told the Mirror: “It’s nothing to do with anyone else. Yeah, people are going to talk. People do. But that’s their business, not mine.”

She also said that she does not think the pair will marry. She said: “We don’t need to! We’re both cool.”

Alison said: “I’ve got a lovely man in my life. It’s just easy. I think that’s when you know you’ve got something special. He just sees me for who I am. We choose each other, every day.”

Why the Alison Hammond and David Puttnam criticism is not sticking

This is not the first time Alison has addressed the age-gap conversation.

In an earlier interview with Good Housekeeping in 2024, she said: “Yes, I’m 22 years older than he is, but if you saw us together, you’d understand. People have said to me: ‘We get it now.’”

She also pushed back on the “toyboy” label. She said it “bears no relation to what we have at all”.

That matches her current message. She is not trying to win over critics. She is simply getting on with her life.

Alison on her ‘lovely’ son Aidan

The star was previously in a relationship with Noureddine Boufaied, the father of her 20 -year-old son Aidan.

Speaking about Aidan, Alison told the Mirror that her son is “DJing, doing really well and he’s done it in his own right”.

She said she always has people coming up to her saying what a “lovely young man” Aidan is.

Alison remains one of ITV’s best-known presenters. She first found fame on Big Brother. She later built a long career in daytime TV.

She has also spoken openly about her health and weight-loss journey in recent years.

The Independent reported that she recently lost 11 stone by focusing on consistency, support and mindset.

In 2024, Alison discussed her past struggles on This Morning with co-host Dermot O’Leary.

Alison Hammond: career and family facts

• Alison Hammond first became widely known after appearing on Big Brother.
• She later built a long career as a daytime television presenter.
• She is one of ITV’s best-known presenters and is associated with This Morning.
• She was previously in a relationship with Noureddine Boufaied.
• They share a son, Aidan.

She said: “I was nearly 28 stone, I’ll be honest with you, and that is morbidly obese. I used to buy an extra seat because I didn’t want to put anyone in a situation where I was touching them.”

She added: “It was embarrassing the whole thing and from that moment I just started buying two seats. I don’t do it anymore because I’ve lost a bit of timber, but not everyone can afford to do that.”

Princess Charlotte joined the Prince and Princess of Wales and Prince George for the men’s final at Wimbledon.

The family arrived in bright sunshine on Sunday. They came to watch Jannik Sinner face Alexander Zverev, according to HELLO!.

Kate wore a green dress with fluted sleeves and a one-shoulder draped scarf detail. She finished the look with bronze accessories and her purple bow brooch.

William chose a navy suit. George matched his father with a smart formal look, which has since sparked some criticism.

Charlotte also drew attention with her outfit. She wore a bright blue dress with a tie waist and ruffle sleeves.

Prince Louis did not attend. HELLO! noted that he has appeared at major royal events, including Trooping the Colour.

The outlet suggested a long tennis final on a hot day may have been a stretch for the eight-year-old. That remains speculation, not a confirmed reason.

Criticism over Prince George’s suit at Wimbledon

With a heatwave gripping the UK over the past week, some royal fans shared their concern over Prince George’s formal look for Wimbledon.

One fan said on X: “My heart cries when I look at poor George; why can’t he just wear some nice, trendy shorts and a t-shirt? He can play the suit and tie prince for long enough; just let him be a kid for once.”

Another wrote: “Prince George looks hot in that full suit at Wimbledon. I respect that English are formal and keep tradition, but feel bad for the kid lol. Could they not have let him wear a polo shirt or something?”

Someone else added: “Beautiful family, but Prince George will feel the heat in the suit and tie.”

Another commented: “Let Prince George take his jacket off, he’s only a kid and it’s boiling hot! I’ve hardly managed to move off my sofa today.”

However, another person said: “It’s called dress code.”

Someone else agreed: “It’s a requirement of Wimbledon that smart attire is worn. Therefore Prince George is respecting tradition and requirements of the dress code!!!”

What George was wearing was in keeping with the rules regarding how those sitting in the Royal Box should conduct themselves.

Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Louis offered coaching by Wimbledon player

Elsewhere, according to The Telegraph, British tennis player Arthur Fery offered to coach George, Charlotte and Louis.

He told press: “I mean the princess came to my match in the second round, it was great to have her there and we spoke a little about that. It was good to see her here and good to meet her finally. She wished me good luck for the rest of the year and congratulated me for these two weeks.

“I know the whole family are all tennis fans, so I told her if her kids ever wanted to hit, I’m free. It would be good to see them again.”

Kate’s third visit added another layer to the day

This marked Kate’s third appearance at Wimbledon this year. Earlier in the championships, she made a surprise visit to SW19 in a blue Gabriela Hearst suit.

That appearance came just days after her Three Peaks Challenge. She then returned on Saturday for the Ladies’ Singles Final in a red belted dress.

HELLO! reported that she watched Linda Noskova crowned Wimbledon ladies champion. This family outing added another high-profile moment to her tournament run.

Kate has long spoken about her love of tennis. In a 2017 BBC documentary, she told Sue Barker: “I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up. It’s such a quintessential part of the English summer, and I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game.

Kate’s role at Wimbledon and love of tennis

The Princess of Wales is closely associated with Wimbledon through both patronage and personal interest in tennis.

• She has regularly attended the championships over the years.
• She presents trophies at the tournament in her role connected to the All England Club.
• In a 2017 BBC documentary, she said watching Wimbledon was part of her growing up and inspired her interest in the sport.
• In 2024, she said of family life: “As a family, we play a lot.”

“It hasn’t changed either, I think that’s what’s so wonderful.”

That passion appears to have rubbed off on her children. Speaking in 2024, Kate said: “As a family, we play a lot.”

Princess Charlotte’s Wimbledon appearances now feel like a regular part of the royal family’s summer calendar. With George beside her and William and Kate in relaxed spirits, the outing offered another polished glimpse of the Wales family on one of Britain’s biggest sporting days.

Tributes paid as Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell dies aged 39

Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell has sadly died at the age of 39, four years after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

The much-loved auctioneer and antiques specialist became a familiar face on the BBC series after joining Antiques Roadshow in 2018. Throughout her illness, Theo also inspired many by sharing honest updates about her diagnosis and treatment.

She is survived by her husband, Alex, and their young son.

Alex announced the heartbreaking news of Theo’s death in a moving post shared on her Instagram over the weekend.

Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell dies aged 39

The statement read: “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.

“She saw life events like her son’s first day at school and her wedding that a little over 4 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.”

Tributes pour in for ‘inspiring’ Theo Burrell following death announcement

Underneath the Instagram post, Theo’s followers quickly paid tribute to her. One person said: “I’m so sorry Theo was such a beautiful person inside and out and such an inspiration to me.”

Another wrote: “I am heartbroken for her family. Theo has been so inspiring and strong.”

Someone else added: “Heartbreaking news. Theo has been a support and inspiration to so many people and faced her own diagnosis with such courage.”

Theo Burrell’s cancer diagnosis

Theo received her cancer diagnosis in June 2022. She was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumour. It typically carries a life expectancy of 12-18 months.

She first became unwell during the winter of 2021. Theo told BBC Radio’s Good Morning Scotland programme midway through 2023.

She said: “I wasn’t diagnosed until the June of 2022, so [I had] five or six months of increasingly worsening symptoms – headaches, sickness, problems with my vision, very, very pressurised pains in my head, migraines – the list went on.

“And it wasn’t until I went to A&E at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh that I was given the diagnosis. I had absolutely no idea it was coming, it was a huge shock.”

It wasn’t until the following day that the news really sank in.

She said: “I was told there and then really in no uncertain terms I will be losing my life to this… it was just shocking.”

In June 2023, Theo revealed she had just a “year or two left” to live. She posted on social media giving a “HUGE thank you” to those who had “been in touch” over the past few days. She added: “It’s been wonderful to receive so many messages and words of support.”

Cancer helped her to ‘enjoy the present’

Theo learned to live with her diagnosis. She told Brain Tumour Research in August 2023 that she’d found herself able to “live day to day and enjoy the present”.

“I used to always live in the future,” she said. “I was always working on the next auction which was months down the line.”

She helped the organisation drum up over eighty thousand signatures for a petition calling for increased investment into brain cancer.

Theo continued to share health updates on social media throughout her treatment.

Despite undergoing surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she revealed “with some heartbreak” that her cancer had started to regrow in October 2024.

Theo’s openness about her illness and determination to raise awareness touched many people throughout her journey, with tributes continuing to pour in following the news of her death.

Counter Terrorism Police (CTP) are now leading the investigation into the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

As reported by The Sun, Counter Terrorism Policing South East has taken over from Devon & Cornwall Police. The switch follows the death of the former Tory minister at her home in Haytor, Devon, last week.

Ann, 78, died at her bungalow. She was found dead on Thursday morning (July 9).  According to reports, she had suffered severe head injuries. Police believe she was attacked at 12:30pm on Wednesday.

Police arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening on suspicion of murder.

He has since be re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, CTP said.

Latest on Ann Widdecombe murder investigation

Counter Terrorism Policing South East said “new information and evidence” led specialist officers to take charge.

A statement read: “Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.

“Specialist officers from across the CTP network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week.”

It added: “New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.

“The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

“CTPSE will continue to work closely with colleagues from the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team and across the Counter Terrorism Policing network in an effort to establish the full circumstances of the incident which led to this murder investigation.”

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said:  “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.

“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.

“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”

What happens when counter-terror police lead an investigation

Counter Terrorism Policing can take the lead in an investigation when evidence suggests a possible terrorism-related offence or when specialist national resources are required.

• Terrorism-related arrests can involve suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
• Counter-terror officers work alongside local police forces and can assume primary responsibility for major inquiries.
• Investigators may examine motive, ideology, planning, communications, travel and any links to wider threats.
• A counter-terror lead does not by itself establish motive or prove a terrorism offence.

Home Secretary speaks out

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she had spoken to the head of national counter-terror policing, Laurence Taylor, about the case.

Writing on X, she said: “This morning I have spoken to the head of @TerrorismPolice.

“Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.

“The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.

“I will be updating the House further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”

The timeline that raised new questions

Police believe Ann died almost 24 hours before her body was discovered.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman had previously said the alleged murder was not thought to be politically motivated.

Hours before her death, Ann was still working. As The Sun reported, she appeared on TalkTV at around 8am on Wednesday by video link from her home.

She was also due to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on Wednesday afternoon. But she stopped responding to producers over WhatsApp.

In messages later made public by ITV News, Ann wrote at 12.19pm: “Received! Panic over!!”

However, she did not reply to a Zoom link sent at 12.48pm.

A producer then messaged at 12.55pm: “Hi Ann is everything okay?”

An earlier arrest also formed part of the fast-moving Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry. Police arrested a 26-year-old man on Friday in Newton Abbot, around 11 miles from the scene, then released him and ruled him out of the investigation.

The LGBTQ+ community continues to expand with new labels that help people better understand and express their identities. One term that’s drawing attention, particularly among neurodivergent individuals, is nebulasexual – an identity that acknowledges the complicated intersection between attraction and neurological differences.

Sexuality through neurodivergent lens

As awareness of neurodiversity grows, more people are discovering that traditional orientation labels don’t always capture their lived reality. For some, neurological differences, including ADHD, autism, or intrusive thought patterns (OCD), make it difficult to distinguish between types of attraction – sexual, aesthetic, or emotional.

The term nebulasexual provides language for this experience, helping individuals feel less isolated and more understood, validating the idea that attraction doesn’t look or feel the same for everyone, especially when filtered through a neurodivergent lens.

What is nebulasexual?

The prefix “nebula” comes from the Latin word nebulous, meaning “clouded” or “unclear,” perfectly capturing the hazy, hard-to-define experience at the heart of nebulasexuality – a label exclusive to neurodivergent people.

According to a Facebook post shared by Autism Nottingham, nebulasexual is a sexuality that falls under the quoisexual umbrella. It describes someone who “cannot tell if they experience sexual attraction or not due to neurodivergency or intrusive thoughts/urges/images. One who is nebulasexual might want sex or a sexual relationship, but they do not know if they experience attraction.”

This makes nebulasexual different from being confused or questioning. Instead, it acknowledges a constant, ongoing experience in which neurological differences blur the ability to define attraction in conventional terms.

People on the spectrum

“We aren’t broken, we just experience attraction in a different way due to our disorders,” writes one Redditor in a forum that’s become a central space for discussing nebulasexuality.

Responding to the thread, another netizen writes, “I’ve made posts on LGBT subreddits asking because I literally cannot tell. I get just get feelings, and I don’t know what they mean! Also, I am neurodivergent, so that checks out. I’m definitely nebulasexual. New label time!”

Another online user, who’s on the spectrum, shared their perspective, explaining they don’t feel “disgust or desire, just nothing.”

“At least I can understand this part of myself. Many autistic people, at least as far as I can see, experience attraction in very different and nuanced ways than what the neurotypical norm posits, and I’m glad we’re gradually giving these ideas a platform,” the user writes.

ADHD and OCD

“As someone with ADHD, my brain processes everything differently. I might think someone is attractive, but whether that’s sexual, aesthetic, or just my brain hyperfixating on their features? No clue. Nebulasexual fits perfectly,” shared one netizen, explaining that ADHD complicates their understanding of attraction.

For some, OCD adds another layer of confusion: “The intrusive thoughts make it so hard to know what’s ME and what’s just my brain being chaotic. This label helps me feel less broken and more understood.”

‘Officially lost it’

But, like many emerging identities, nebulasexualism has faced skepticism. Some users have questioned whether the term is necessary: “I don’t understand why we need so many labels. Isn’t this just being confused about your sexuality?” asks one user.

A second shared a post on Facebook, expressing her frustration over the puzzling list of labels describing so many identities: “We have officially lost it… Really, doesn’t it just make you want to drop whatever is in your hands and go home.”

Relationship with biosex

Meanwhile on Quora, one user attempted to explain the dozens of gender identities: “The definition of gender was remade to not be equal to biological sex. Gender now is understood as a social construct around biosex [biological sex], the way in which individuals and the wider society perceive and interact with it.

“Under this definition, everyone’s gender is as unique as their personal experience, but there are ways to broadly classify people based on their relationship with their biosex, and that is the origin of the gazillion of terms used to describe different genders.”