This year we have lost award-winning actors, chart-topping musicians and legendary sportsmen.

The list of celebrated celebrities who have passed away this year has already become too long.

Here we list some of the greats, the household favourites and national treasures that have been taken from us too soon.

January

Sir John Hurt

The world-famous and legendary actor Sir John Hurt has died, aged 77.

He starred in films such as The Elephant Man and Alien in a career that spanned over six decades and had battled with pancreatic cancer in 2015.

More recently the BAFTA-winning star played the wandmaker Mr Ollivander in the Harry Potter series and an incarnation of Doctor Who in a 50th anniversary special of the series in 2013.

The unlikely-Evertonian also plays Father Richard McSorley in Jackie, the biopic of President John F. Kennedy’s wife, which is in cinemas now.

Tributes came flooding in for the on-screen legend and Merseysiders have been paying their respects on social media.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce , screenwriter born in Rainhill, said: “Has any actor ever pushed the boundaries of our empathy so hard and so effectively as #JohnHurt”

Sarah O’ Hara wrote: “John Hurt - an artist whose performances were iconic and captured your imagination. One of the all-time greats. RIP John Hurt.”

Tom Power said: “Sad news to hear that Sir John Hurt has passed away. A true giant of the stage, whether it be small or big screen, or on stage itself. RIP.”

Sir John is survived by his wife of 12 years, Anwen Rees-Myers.

Gorden Kaye

'Allo 'Allo! star Gorden Kaye passed away aged 75 on 23 January in a care home.

The actor - who is best known for his role as Rene Artois in the British TV comedy - left behind an impressive legacy and career.

Mary Tyler Moore

American actress Mary Tyler Moore died on 25 January at the age of 80.

Moore shot to stardom as a suburban housewife in 1960s comedy The Dick Van Dyke Show. She went on to play the role as Mary Richards on 'The Mary Tyler Moore' show from 1970 to 1977.

John Wetton

John Wetton, a legend of the pro rock movement, passed away on 31 January at the age of 67 after losing his battle with cancer.

Geoff Nicholls

Former Black Sabbath musician Geoff Nicholls died on 28 January, aged 68, after a battle with lung cancer.

Miguel Ferrer

US actor Miguel Ferrer died on 19 January aged 61 after battling cancer.

The star - a cousin of George Clooney - was most famous for his roles in RoboCop and Twin Peaks.

More recently, he appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles.

Graham Taylor

Former Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor died of a heart attack on 12 January at the age of 72.

He made his mark as a manager with Watford, and then became a legendary figure at Villa after getting them promoted from the old Division Two to the First Division in the late 1980s.

That success earned him the England job, and after he was sacked from that went on to manage Wolverhampton Wanderers and then Villa for a second time.

Peter Sarstedt

The celebrated singer and songwriter Peter Sarstedt died aged 75 on 8 January.

The musical artist is best known for his hit song 'Where do you go to my Lovely?'

The song was a chart topper in the UK in February 1969 and stayed there for four weeks.

February

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Hundreds of celebrities and the Prince of Wales have paid tribute to Tara Palmer Tomkinson who has died aged 45.

The infamous socialite was found dead at her London flat this afternoon, a year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The 'It' girl, who once dated Matalan heir Jamie Hargreaves, was well known for her wild partying in the nineties and her battle with cocaine addiction.

Her Godfather Prince Charles led tributes to the star saying he and the Duchess of Cornwall were "deeply saddened, our thoughts are so much with the family".

Bill Paxton

American actor Bill Paxton - a Hollywood mainstay who was one of the biggest film stars of the 1990s - has died aged 61 due to complications from surgery.

The star - best known for his roles in hit films such as Aliens, Apollo 13, Twister and Titanic - died suddenly on Saturday.

His family announced his death in a statement released on Sunday and described him as a "beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker" whose "illustrious career" spanned four decades.

His family said: "It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery."

Alan Simpson

Sitcom writing icon Alan Simpson, one half of the much-loved Galton and Simpson duo, died on 8 February at the age of 87.

Richard Hatch

Richard Hatch, the star of the original Battlestar Galactica series, passed away aged 71 on 7th February after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his manger confirmed to Variety.

Hatch played Captain Apollo in the original Battlestar series, which aired from 1978-79, a role that earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a television series - drama.

He also had a role in the 2003 reimagined series, playing Tom Zarek.

March

Ronnie Moran

The legendary Liverpool midfielder Ronnie Moran passed away on March 22 aged 83.

Moran was a loyal servant to Liverpool FC, operating as a player, coach and assistant manager in his storied time at the club.

Seen by Liverpool fans as the epitome of the famous Boot Room culture, his recent book, Mr Liverpool, summed up what the club meant to him.

Chuck Berry

Musical icon Chuck Berry sadly died on March 18 at the age of 90.

The rock n' roll legend - known as the father of that movement - had been producing music since the 1950s and wrote pioneering tracks such as Johnny B Goode.

His first No.1 came in 1972 with My Ding-a-Ling.

He was the great-grandchild of African-American slaves, and his parents, Martha and Henry Berry, migrated from the South during World War I to St Louis in search of work.

John Forgeham

Best known for his work in Footballers' Wives, in which he played Frank Laslett, John Forgeham sadly passed away on 11 March, aged 75.

He also had a role in The Italian Job and graduated from the Royal Academy of Drama in 1964.

His friend, the scriptwriter Simon Golding, paid tribute to John, tweeting: "So very sad to hear today the loss of my good friend, actor John Forgeham. A larger-than-life character & such a powerful actor. RIP John x."

John Surtees

John Surtees, the only man to win the Formula One and motorcycle Grand Prix titles, died on March 10 at the age of 83.

Surtees, who won the F1 title in 1964 to add to his 500cc motorcycle world titles from 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1960, "passed away peacefully".

His wife Jane and daughters Leonora and Edwina were by his side.

April

Ugo Ehiogu

Tottenham Hotspur Under-23 coach Ugo Ehiogu passed away on April 21.

The former England and Aston Villa defender was rushed to hospital after collapsing at Tottenham's training centre.

The 44-year-old received medical treatment on site before being transferred to hospital by ambulance. But doctors were unable to save him.

Tim Pigott-Smith

Tim Pigott-Smith died at home on April 7, aged 70.

The British actor, best known for his role in the BAFTA-winning The Jewel in the Crown TV series, was described as "one of the greatest actors of his generation" by his agent.

The actor leaves behind his wife, Pamela Miles, and their son Tom.

May

Chris Cornell

Soundgarden and Audioslave rocker Chris Cornell died on May 18, aged 52.

His rep Brian Bumbery called the death "sudden and unexpected" and said his wife and family were shocked.

As the lead singer for Seattle-based Soundgarden, Cornell helped inspire the 90s grunge rock movement.

He was also a Grammy award-winning, Golden Globe-nominated singer, songwriter, guitarist, composer and lyricist.

He later became involved in philanthropy and started the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation to support children facing challenges, including homelessness, poverty, abuse and neglect.

Geoffrey Bayldon

British actor Geoffrey Bayldon died on May 10 at the age of 93.

BBC presenter Lizo Mzimba confirmed the news, tweeting: "Sad news. Actor Geoffrey Bayldon, best known for playing Catweazle and Worzel Gummidge's Crowman has passed away aged 93 his agency has says (sic)."

The Leeds-born actor was the star of many British TV series, including children's show Catweazle and the BBC's Watch, in which he played Magic Grandad in 1995.

But it was his role as the Crowman in Worzel Gummidge that put Geoffrey's name on the map, as the programme ran from 1979 until 1981.

Robert Miles

Trance DJ and producer Robert Miles passed away on May 9 aged 47.

The Swiss-born star, who was most famous for his '90s smash-hit Children, died from an unreported illness.

Miles, real-name Robert Concina, scored a number one hit in six countries with his iconic floor-filler before moving on to more experimental sounds; eventually setting up Open Lab (a Balearic radio station).

Roger Moore

Sir Roger Moore has died aged 89.

“With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated,” a statement on his official Twitter account read.

The statement continued: "It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father, Sir Roger Moore, has passed away today in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer.

"The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone."

The London-born star was best known for being the third actor to play the British secret agent James Bond in seven feature films between 1973 and 1985.

Roger Moore used to live in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, and for a while in Cannock.

And his mum, also a Midlander, lived near Mere Green. He lived on Rosemary Hill Road in Four Oaks with his then wife Dorothy Squires.

Sir Roger also played Simon Templar in The Saint between 1962 and 1969.

John Noakes

Former Blue Peter presenter John Noakes, who hosted the show in 1960s, died at the age of 83.

He was the BBC children's show's longest-serving presenter, appearing for more than 12 years, and was often seen with his dog Shep by his side.

A family statement said he had "endured and suffered from" Alzheimer's disease.

It stated: "Whilst he will be greatly missed by his wife, family and many friends his release from continuing ill health must be counted as a blessing."

June

Peter Sallis

Peter Sallis was best known for his role in Last Of The Summer Wine until Wallace And Gromit made him an unlikely Hollywood star.

Playing loveable inventor Wallace in Nick Park's animated films made his voice known around the world.

Wallace And Gromit scooped three Oscars and Sallis was delighted to have such success late in life.

"It is pleasing knowing millions are going to see your work and enjoy it.

"To still be involved in a project like this at my age is heart-warming," he said.

"To have a legacy like this is very comforting. I am very lucky to have been involved."

Before Wallace, Sallis was synonymous with Last Of The Summer Wine, Britain's longest-running sitcom.

It started life as a Comedy Playhouse pilot in 1972 and became a series in 1973.

Sallis was part of the original cast, playing mild-mannered Norman Clegg.

Sallis married an actress, Elaine Usher, in the 1950s and they had a son, Crispian, before divorcing in 1965.

Andy Cunningham

Andy Cunningham as Simon Bodger

Entertainer Andy Cunningham, who was best known as the creator and star of children's TV show Bodger And Badger, died at the age of 67 on June 7.

Cunningham played handyman Simon Bodger in the series and voiced his companion, a beret-wearing talking badger with a love for mashed potatoes.

The show first aired in 1989 and continued throughout the Nineties, with Andy's handyman Bodger becoming a favourite children's TV character.

He died of cancer at Royal Sussex County Hospital on Monday, his sister Tessa told the Press Association.

She said: "'Andy lived to be loved and to make people laugh - starting with me, his little sister.

"He had a quicksilver brain, a rebellious attitude, boundless compassion particularly for the underdog, unstinting levels of generosity and, of course, a passion for mashed potato.

"I adored him and, long before he found fame, was immensely proud to have the funniest, cleverest big brother in the universe."

Cunningham was in a long-term relationship with Jane Bassett, who played Mousey in Bodger and Badger.

While the couple separated many years ago, they remained close friends and she was with him when he died, along with his sister and nieces.

Adam West

Adam West
Adam West

Adam West, who played Batman in the iconic 60s TV show, passed away on June 10 aged 88 after a short battle with leukaemia.

The actor portrayed the Caped Crusader on the small screen from 1966 to 1968. In later years, West also regularly appeared on animated comedy Family Guy, voicing a fictional version of himself.

More recently, Adam reprised his Batman role in animated movie Return of the Caped Crusaders and video game Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham.

Michael Bond

Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond who has died at home aged 91

Revered creator of Paddington Bear, Michael Bond passed away at the age of 91 on June 28.

According to his publisher, HarperCollings, Bond died after a short illness.

Ann-Janine Murtagh, executive publisher of HarperCollins Children's Books, said: "I feel privileged to have been Michael Bond's publisher - he was a true gentleman, a bon viveur, the most entertaining company and the most enchanting of writers.

"He will be forever remembered for his creation of the iconic Paddington, with his duffle coat and wellington boots, which touched my own heart as a child and will live on in the hearts of future generations.

"My thoughts and love are with his wife, Sue and his children Karen and Anthony."

Barry Norman

The late Barry Norman
The late Barry Norman

Barry Norman, the famous film critic, died on July 1 at the age of 83.

Norman, who was also known for TV presenting and writing, leaves behind his two daughters, Samantha and Emma.

In a statement they called him "remarkable", adding: "He had a great life, a wonderful marriage and an enviable career."

Norman hosted BBC One's "Film…" show between 1972 and 1998 - its longest running host - as well as writing for the Daily Mail and the Guardian.

July

Carol Lee Scott

Carol Lee Scott as Grotbags, pictured here with Windsor Davies in panto in Swansea in 1993

Carol Lee Scott, best known as her character Grotbags, died on July 4 at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer.

She first appeared as Grotbags the witch in Emu's World in January 1982, and starred alongside various companions including cowardly crocodile Croc, mechanical butler Robot Redford, and fawning manservant Grovel, and would often sing.

In 1991, she was the voice of Grotbags in the cartoon series Rod 'n' Emu, and she was also given her own spin off series of Grotbags - which ran for 29 episodes across three series.

Chester Bennington

Chester Bennington
Chester Bennington

Linkin Park's Chester Bennington died on July 20 aged 41, the Los Angeles County Coroner has said.

The 41-year-old Papercut singer was found dead at a private residence in Palos Verdes Estates in Los Angeles, at about 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Linkin Park were one of the seminal bands of the Noughties rap-metal movement, with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, considered to be a metal masterpiece.

The band were in the middle of a world tour for their latest studio effort, One More Light, and had just wrapped up a European leg.

Deborah Watling

Doctor Who actress Deborah Watling passed away on July 21, six weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Watling began her acting career aged just 9 years old, but her big TV break came when she landed the role of companion in Doctor Who, alongside the 2nd Doctor Patrick Troughton.

John Heard

The Home Alone star was 72
The Home Alone star was 72

Actor John Heard died on July 21 aged 72.

Heard is best known for his role as Peter McCallister, the dad in the Home Alone movies, in which he starred alongside a young Macaulay Culkin . He also was nominated for an Emmy for his guest appearance in The Sopranos.

More recently, he starred in cult hit movie Sharknado .

Hywel Bennett

Hywell Bennett, former star of EastEnders, has died at 73
Hywell Bennett, former star of EastEnders, has died at 73

Hywel Bennett died at the age of 73 on July 25.

Bennett, star of Shelley which at its peak pulled in 18 million viewers, made his stage debut playing Ophelia in Hamlet at the Queen's theatre in 1959.

Bennett also played gangster Jack Dalton in EastEnders but it is his role as perpetually unemployed James Shelley that will be his most fondly remembered.

Sam Shepard

Sam Shepard poses for a portrait during the 2014 Sundance Film Festival
Sam Shepard poses for a portrait during the 2014 Sundance Film Festival

Actor Sam Shepard died on July 30 aged 73 at his home in Kentucky,

He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979 for his play Buried Child and was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance in The Right Stuff as pilot Chuck Yeager.

August

Robert Hardy

Actor Robert Hardy star of All Creatures Great and Small and Harry Potter, sadly passed away on August 3 aged 91.

A graduate from Oxford University, Hardy was best known for his role as senior veterinarian Siegried Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small and also appeared in Inspector Morse, Manhunt and Edward the Seventh.

Glen Campbell

Glen Campbell hosted his own CBS variety show in the 1970s
Glen Campbell hosted his own CBS variety show in the 1970s

Country music legend Glen Campbell died on August 8 at the age of 81.

The singer passed away after a "long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease" in Nashville, with the news of his death revealed in a statement on his official website.

Campbell, best known for his hits Rhinestone Cowboy, Wichita Lineman and Gentle On My Mind, was being cared for in a specialist unit.

Sonny Landham

Sonny Landham
Sonny Landham

Predator star Sonny Landham passed away on August 17 aged 76.

The actor, who played Billy in the classic 1987 action movie alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, died from congestive heart failure at a hospital in Kentucky.

Landham also appeared in The Warriors and 48 Hours.

Bruce Forsyth

Sir Bruce Forsyth

Legendary entertainer and face of dance show Strictly Come Dancing, Bruce Forsyth died at the age of 89.

Bruce is recognised by the Guinness World Records as having the longest television career for a male entertainer.

He shot to fame in the mid-1950s on ITV series Sunday Night at the London Palladium, before hosting shows like The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right, The Price Is Right and You Bet!

The star also co-presented Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2013, and was well known for his catchphrase, "Nice to see you, to see you nice" – which went on to be voted the most popular UK catchphrase in 2007 by the British public.

Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis

On August 20, legendary actor Jerry Lewis passed away aged 91. Famous for his comic roles, he first found fame working with Dean Martin but soon set out on his own appearing in an array of movies including The Nutty Professor.

September

Frank Vincent

Frank Vincent
Frank Vincent

Sopranos star Frank Vincent died on September 13 at the age of 78.

The actor, who also starred in Goodfellas, passed away at a New Jersey hospital while undergoing surgery following a heart attack.

Frank starred in a number of Martin Scorsese films during his career, which spanned 41 years.

He was known for his tough guy roles and starred in many mafia movies, delivering memorable performances as Billy Batts in Goodfellas and Phil Leotardo - Tony's nemesis - in TV show The Sopranos.

William G Stewart

William G Stewart
William G Stewart

Former Fifteen To One host William G Stewart passed away aged 84 on September 21 after a brief illness.

A producer and director, Stewart became a household name when he presented the general knowledge quiz which ran from 1988 until 2003.

Charles Bradley

Charles Bradley
Charles Bradley

American funk singer Charles Bradley passed away aged 68 after battling stomach cancer. His death was announced via his official Twitter account on September 23.

Bradley got his big break later in life, getting a deal with Daptone Records in 2002 after being spotted moonlighting as a James Brown impersonator.

His music featured in a number of hit TV shows, including Suits and Ray Donovan. Charles himself appeared in Netflix's Marvel superhero series Luke Cage, performing his track Ain't It a Sin.

Liz Dawn

Liz Dawn

Coronation Street legend Liz Dawn has died, her family confirmed in an emotional statement.

The 77-year-old, famous for playing Vera Duckworth in the long-running soap drama, played the character for over 34 years.

Her role in the soap saw her win the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 British Soap Awards. She was also awarded an MBE in the 2000 Queens Birthday Honours.

Confirming the tragic news, her family released an emotional statement which said she “died peacefully at home with her loving family around her”

It said: “We are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn.

“Liz died peacefully last night at home with her loving family around her.

“She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing.”

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The Coronation Street team also payed tribute to their “beloved” Liz Dawn.

A statement issued on behalf of the show read: “It is with the greatest sadness that we have learned our beloved Liz Dawn has passed away last night. Her family at Coronation Street are heartbroken.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this very sad time to Liz’s devoted husband Don, her loving children Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie, their families and her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

“We have been blessed to have Liz in our lives, as she was such a kind, considerate and caring friend and colleague. As Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth for 34 years, Liz brought so much joy and happiness to so many. She was a wonderful actress who will forever be a true Coronation Street legend.

On behalf of ITV and the programme Coronation Street’s Executive Producer, Kieran Roberts said:

“Liz Dawn was a true Coronation Street legend, a brilliant actor and a wonderful person. Everyone lucky enough to have worked with Liz during her thirty-four years playing Corrie icon Vera Duckworth will remember her with huge affection.”

Hugh Hefner

Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner, pictured with wife, passed away on September 27 at the Playboy Mansion. He was 91 years old.

The founder of Playboy, Hugh Hefner died on September 27 at the age of 91.

A spokesman said he died "peacefully" from "natural causes" at his home The Playboy Mansion in Hollywood "surrounded by loved ones."

Hefner launched Playboy magazine in 1953 and the X-rated brand spawned TV and film companies and the famous mansion where he lived alongside dozens of his 'Bunnies'.

Always presiding over his realm in silk pajamas and a smoking jacket while puffing on a pipe, Hefner had three wives and claimed to have slept with more than 1,000 women in his lifetime.

He is survived by his 31-year-old wife Crystal, four children, Christie, who served as CEO of Playboy Enterprise for more than 20 years, David, Marston and Cooper, who currently serves as Chief Creative Officer at the company.

October

Tom Petty

Tom Petty attends Songwriters Hall Of Fame 47th Annual Induction And Awards at Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 9, 2016 in New York City

US rock star Tom Petty has died at the age of 66.

A statement on the singer's Twitter page said: "On behalf of the Tom Petty family, we are devastated to announce the untimely death of our father, husband, brother, leader and friend, Tom Petty."

It went on: "He suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu in the early hours of this morning and was taken to UCLA Medical Centre but could not be revived."

Tony Dimitriades, manager of Tom Petty And the Heartbreakers, added in the statement that he died peacefully surrounded by family, his bandmates and friends.

The singer was known for hits such as Free Fallin', Refugee and American Girl. His worldwide sales topped 80 million records and the band recently finished a 40th anniversary tour at the Hollywood Bowl.

Actor Kiefer Sutherland was among the stars to pay tribute.

He said on Twitter: "Today America lost one of its musical giants. Thanks you Tom Petty for all the music. To me you will live forever."

News of the star's death had been circulating prior to the statement. Confusion arose when CBS published Petty's obituary after tweeting that the LAPD had confirmed his death.

The LAPD issued a statement saying it had no information on Petty's condition and that "initial information was inadvertently provided to some media sources".

But hours later a statement was released confirming his death.

Singer Ryan Adams said: "Safe passage to the summerlands, brother. You couldn't have left more dreams here for us. Thank you. RIP."

Sean Hughes

Sean Hughes

Irish stand-up comedian and actor Sean Hughes died aged 51, on October 16.

Hughes's final tweet was shared on Sunday October 8, in which he said he was "in hospital".

Jason Manford led the tributes to Hughes on Twitter following the news of his death.

"Very sad to hear about Sean Hughes," Manford wrote.

"A brilliant comic and a lovely bloke. RIP."

Stand-up comic Al Murray wrote: "Terribly sad news about Sean Hughes."

Comedian Richard Herring said: "Sean Hughes. What a punch in the soul that is."

Hughes was best known for being a panellist on long-running BBC Two panel show Never Mind The Buzzcocks and for starring in his own sitcom Sean's Show in the early 1990s.

He also appeared on TV programmes including Coronation Street and The Last Detective.

Fats Domino

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Fats Domino, the rock 'n' roll pioneer whose steady, pounding piano and easy baritone helped change popular music, died at the age of 89.

He died on Tuesday, October 24 according to Mark Bone, chief investigator with Jefferson Parish coroner's office in Louisiana.

At least in appearance, Domino was no Elvis Presley, standing at 5ft 5in and weighing more than 200lb, with a wide, boyish smile and a haircut as flat as an album cover.

Fats Domino

But he sold more than 110 million records, including 22 million singles with hits including Blueberry Hill, Ain't That A Shame and other rock 'n' roll standards.

Domino was one of the first 10 acts named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Rolling Stone Record Guide likened him to Benjamin Franklin, the beloved old man of a revolutionary movement.

His dynamic performance style and warm vocals drew crowds for five decades. One of his show-stopping stunts was playing the piano while standing, throwing his body against it with the beat of the music and bumping the grand piano across the stage.

November

Robert Knight

Singer Robert Knight died on November 5 aged 72, after a short illness.

He was born Robert Peebles in Franklin, Tennessee on April 24, 1945 and is best known for the 1967 hit Everlasting Love.

His subsequent recordings didn't reach the heights of Everlasting Love, but he had a few minor hits with "Blessed are the Lonely," "Isn't it Lonely Together" and "Love on a Mountain Top".

Antonio Carluccio

Antonio Carluccio

Celebrity chef Antonio Carluccio - who has a popular branch of his restaurant in Liverpool - died on November 8.

The 80-year-old, who was best known for BBC Two’s Two Greedy Italians, owned a string of self-named Italian restaurants, with one branch in Liverpool’s Metquarter.

Representatives for the chef confirmed the star passed away this morning, Wednesday November 8, reports the Mirror Online.

His manager said: “I adored him, we are all devastated. His family are so upset. He wasn’t ill, he was on bubbly form when I last saw him.”

His colleagues from the culinary world have started paying tributes online.

William Sitwell, a food writer, posted on Instagram. He said: “The saddest news. One of the loveliest people, and a really wonderful friend.”

Mr Carluccio, who was based in London, had an epic career spanning 50 years - and was well-known for his BBC Two show Two Greedy Italians, co-hosted with Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo.

In Liverpool, the name is best-known for the Carluccio’s chain of restaurants - which was started by Antonio and his wife in 1991. The branch in The Metquarter opened in 2012.

In 2005, he sold the chain for £5m - and there are now more than 80 locations throughout the country.

In 2007, he was appointed an OBE for services to the catering industry and, in 2012, he received the AA Lifetime Achievement Award.

His 2012 autobiography, A Recipe For Life, revealed how the thrice-married star turned to whisky and gambling and even attempted suicide when his 28-year marriage to designer Sir Terence Conran’s sister Priscilla ended.

He told the Daily Mail: “I got married – many times – because I didn’t want to be alone, but then you decide perfection doesn’t exist so you say: 'Okay, enough now'.”

Keith Barron

Keith Barron
Keith Barron

Actor Keith Barron died on November 15 aged 83 after a short illness.

Barron was most famous for his role in sitcom Duty Free in the 1980s. He also starred in ITV drama Where the Heart Is and in 2007 appeared on Coronation Street as George Trench.

Lil Peep

Lil Peep
Lil Peep

American rapper Lil Peep died on November 15 aged 21 years old in a suspected suicide.

The singer, real name Gustav Åhr, was also known for his many YouTube videos which accumulated millions of views from fans.

Malcolm Young

AC/DC co-founder and guitarist Malcolm Young
AC/DC co-founder and guitarist Malcolm Young

After a long battle with dementia, the legendary guitarist and founder of AC/DC died on November 19 aged 64.

Surrounded by his family, he died peacefully in his sleep.

They family said in a statement on Facebook: “Renowned for his musical prowess, Malcolm was a songwriter, guitarist, performer, producer and visionary who inspired many.

“From the outset, he knew what he wanted to achieve and, along with his younger brother, took to the world stage giving their all at every show. Nothing less would do for their fans.”

Rodney Bewes

Actor Rodney Bewes
Actor Rodney Bewes

Rodney Bewes - star of BBC sitcom The Likely Lads - died aged 79.

Sharing the news on Twitter, Rodney's agent Michelle Braidman tweeted: "It is with great sadness that we confirm that our dear client, the much loved actor Rodney Bewes, passed away this morning.

"Rodney was a true one off. We will miss his charm and ready wit."

Whatever Happened to The Likely Lads? was one of the most popular sitcoms the BBC ever made and Bewes played the going-up-in-the-world and hen-pecked Bob Ferris.

In the mid 1970s, the show pulled in 27 million viewers at its peak.

David Cassidy

Actor-singer David Cassidy

Hollywood has paid tribute to teen heartthrob David Cassidy following his death at the age of 67.

Dozens of famous names wrote on social media to share their memories of the actor and musician, who shot to fame in hit sitcom The Partridge Family, and spoke fondly of how he had touched the lives of so many.

Cassidy, who had been rushed to hospital last week, died on Tuesday surrounded by loved ones.

His family said he had passed away "with joy in his heart" and "free from the pain that had gripped him for so long".

Leading the tributes was Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson, who remembered how he had spent time with Cassidy in the mid-1970s.

"I'm very sad to hear about David Cassidy," he wrote on Twitter.

"There were times in the mid-1970s when he would come over to my house and we even started writing a song together. He was a very talented and nice person. Love & Mercy to David and his family."