Anna Richardson star shares emotional statement after death of father as Channel 4 star speaks out

Anna Richardson has announced the death of her father, Canon Jim Richardson, who passed away on June 25 at the age of 85.

The retired Church of England clergyman had been living with vascular dementia for close to a decade before his death.

The television presenter, 55, best known for hosting Naked Attraction, shared the news with her Instagram followers on Monday.

"Death is strange. We spend our lives trying not to talk about it, until one day, it’s the only thing in the room," she wrote.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's and is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.

The 85-year-old spent his final fortnight hospitalised, battling heart failure, pneumonia and a collapsed lung simultaneously.

"His body may have been failing him but his will to live was astonishing," Ms Richardson continued.

As his heart weakened beyond recovery, the presenter and one of her brothers stationed themselves at his bedside throughout his final days.

Ms Richardson said they "set up camp either side of him like two gargoyles guarding the entrance of a church. One generation accompanying another into the next world."

He drew his last breath on what would have been his wife's birthday.

"A working class lad from south-east London, who knew he had a calling," his daughter wrote of his early sense of vocation.

His ministry within the Church of England saw him engage with leaders of multiple faiths across the globe, including an audience with the Pope.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Ricky Gervais 'delivers brutal BBC snub' as comedian rejects The Office reunion for own celebration
• Laura Woods fiancé Adam Collard 'attacked by father' as ITV Love Island star's dad faces trial
• Lily Allen furiously hits back after facing complaints over West End Girl tour: 'My artistic choice!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anna Richardson 🌈 (@annarichardso)

The Queen recognised his contributions to religious life by awarding him an OBE.

Throughout his career, Mr Richardson remained dedicated to serving his congregation while building bridges between different faith communities worldwide.

The ITV presenter paid tribute to her father's multifaceted personality in her emotional Instagram post.

"He was fun-loving, private, difficult, thoughtful, and oh-so complex but he was my Dad. And I loved him," she wrote.

Though unafraid of death, Canon Richardson had not been ready to depart, according to his daughter, who expressed hope that his belief in joining "the company of Angels" would prove true.

The presenter described the Channel 4 documentary Anna Richardson: Love, Loss & Dementia, which broadcast in October 2024, as her father's "last great adventure."

The programme documented her family's experiences alongside other families navigating the condition.

Ms Richardson's emotional tribute prompted an outpouring of support from fellow television personalities and friends.

ITV Loose Women Panellist Ruth Langsford wrote: "I'm so very sorry Anna. Grief is the price we pay for love and you clearly loved your Dad so much. The documentary you made with him about Alzheimer's was so very moving and powerful. Sending you and your family love."

Andrea McLean also shared her condolences, writing: "Oh Anna. I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending you all my love."

Meanwhile, television chef Matt Tebbutt commented: "Sending all the love darling."

Rev'd Canon Kate Bottley added: "I'm so sorry, I'm in church tomorrow and will light a candle for him and you." (sic)

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter