Former TV presenter Anthea Turner paid tribute to her mother, Jean, after she passed away from pneumonia at 91. Anthea, who is known for her time presenting Blue Peter, Top of the Pops and GMTV, announced her mum’s death on social media yesterday, thanking NHS staff for their hard work to try and save her life.
The 61-year-old told followers about the important lessons the media star's late mum, Jean Millicent Turner, had taught her throughout her life, especially in the face of her struggle with dyslexia. She wrote: "So terribly sad but how grateful am I too have had Mum in my life for nearly 62 years.
“I don’t believe people just die their spirit lives on and if you look, you’ll find it. When I was much younger, I’d have railed against this but, I am my mother’s daughter and on reflection I’m ticking off a long list of thank yous for the lessons she’s taught me.”
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Anthea, who most recently appeared in E4’s The Real Dirty Dancing, went on to credit her mum for teaching her skills that may have helped her become a Blue Peter presenter from 1992 to 1994. She continued: “They begin with basic manners, table etiquette was high on her agenda, then skills, I’m not sure I’d have passed my Blue Peter audition if she hadn’t made me handy with scissors & glue. Mum didn’t relish cooking, but she could bake and my apple pie is a homage to her pastry skills.”
Jean taught English and RE in secondary schools, , after attending the Whitelands College at the University of Roehampton, and she was always well-dressed, Anthea explained. “Only when she became ill a few years ago did I ever see her without makeup, she never wore jeans, anything with a logo and if at home was always ‘front door ready’ in case someone popped in,” she said,
“Mum disliked physical pursuits, had a fear of moths, water and heights, so as a pesky child, taught never to cheek your elders my revenge was climb the tallest tree in the garden and watch the colour drain from her face. But it was her unwavering support for my efforts I can’t thank her enough for.”
Anthea described herself as a “dyslexic unacademic” child, but explained that this did not waiver her mother. She wrote: “Mum instead of concentrating on what I couldn’t do quietly pushed me towards things I could and like a slight of hand magician (with no spell check to fall back on) I learnt every trick in the book to keep people away from my little problem.”
Anthea also made sure to thank staff at the Royal Stoke University Hospital who treated her mother last week, highlighting their “amazing efforts” as the family said their goodbyes. She ended the emotional tribute by saying that she feels closer to her mother than ever before, despite her passing.
She said: “I often hear when someone dies a loved one say “They’ve left a hole in their heart” but I don’t feel that because Mum packed it with so much. Since the early 80’s we’ve lived miles apart but what’s strange is she feels closer to me today than she’s ever been. RIP Mum and we’re all looking after Dad.”
Friends and celebrities flooded the comments with their condolences at the news. TV presenter Eamonn Holmes wrote: “Anthea, I am so sorry to hear this. She was obviously a fine woman. The apple never falls far from the tree. My heartfelt condolences to you.”
Ex-Love Island star Zara Holland commented: “Thinking of you. So sorry x”. Singer and author Shirlie Kemp, wife of Martin Kemp, said: “So sorry for your loss . God bless her and sending condolences to you and your family Anthea x x x”.
