Television presenter and actress Annabel Giles has died, aged 64, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in July, her children said in a statement.
She died "peacefully" on Monday afternoon at Martlets Hospice in Hove, the statement said, after battling stage four Glioblastoma, a "fast-growing and highly aggressive malignant brain tumour".
The mother-of-two had undergone brain surgery, "countless radiotherapies" and displayed "remarkable resilience and strength", her children Molly McQueen and Tedd Giles said, adding that "she kept spirits high and maintained her quick wit until the very end".
"In her final weeks, she was passionate about raising awareness of Glioblastoma, embodying her lifelong commitment to helping others," the statement said.
"Her humour and laughter will leave us inspired to live life to the fullest, just as she always did."
A message from Annabel’s children x pic.twitter.com/l8F8oDGo2f
— Annabel Giles 💙🇪🇺 (@Annabel_Giles) November 21, 2023
Giles appeared on ITV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in 2013 but became the first famous face to leave the jungle.
The former TV and radio presenter rose to fame as co-presenter of ITV's Posh Frocks and New Trousers alongside Sarah Greene.
She went on to star as a panellist on numerous entertainment shows such as Have I Got News For You and Through The Keyhole.She worked most recently as a counsellor, specialising in recovery from narcissistic abuse, her business Instagram account said.
Giles "openly admitted" that she lived with ADHD and had struggled with anxiety, according to her biography on charity No Panic's website.
She lived in East Sussex where she practiced as a qualified psychotherapist with her own private practice.
She was previously married to Ultravox singer Midge Ure with whom she shared daughter Molly, but they later separated. She also had a second child, her son Tedd.
Tributes have started flowing for the TV presenter.
Her former co-presenter Sarah Greene said she had lit candles in honour of her father’s 100th birthday but dedicated the sentiment to Giles as well.
Alongside a photo of the candles posted to X, she wrote: “I lit 33 and a 1/3 candles tonight for Dad’s 100th birthday – being one of his 3 babies.
“But I absolutely know he’d want to share the light with darling La Giles this evening… so Annabel, they’re for you too, with love, Greenebottome XX”
I lit 33 and a 1/3 candles tonight for Dad’s 100th birthday - being one of his 3 babies... But I absolutely know he’d want to share the light with darling La Giles this evening … so Annabel, they’re for you too, with love,
— Sarah Greene (@RealSarahGreene) November 21, 2023
Greenebottome 😘 XX pic.twitter.com/zG7r38VBil
Fellow TV presenter Howard Griffiths wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Saddened to hear of the passing of Annabel Giles. We had some banter last year."
Comedian Jenny Eclair wrote: "The beautiful, funny, and clever Annabel Giles has died far too young - love to her family / I have the fondest memories- I wouldn’t want to ride a camel with anyone else."
Channel 4 news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy shared a photo of him alongside Annabel and Sarah Greene from their time on ITV’s Posh Frocks And New Trousers, writing: “Heartbreaking news – so funny, clever and gorgeous.
“Annabel Giles was one of my first tv partners in crime and I remember just being in awe of her.”
Heartbreaking news - so funny, clever and gorgeous. Annabel Giles was one of my first tv partners in crime and I remember just being in awe of her. https://t.co/YmKmp2uWqM pic.twitter.com/uNMckT4aXR
— Krishnan Guru-Murthy (@krishgm) November 21, 2023
Actor Michael Smiley hailed Annabel as the “epitome of classy kindness” as he recalled spending time with her in the 1990s.
Alongside a photo of the pair together in Adelaide, Australia, for the comedy festival in 1996, he said: “I can’t believe she’s gone, I’m devastated. The epitome of classy kindness.”
He added: “We teased each other relentlessly. I loved her dearly. I, like so many others, am heartbroken. Rest in peace beautiful Annabel Giles.”
I can’t believe she’s gone, I’m devastated. The epitome of classy kindness.This photo is when we went to Adelaide for the comedy festival in 1996. We teased each other relentlessly. I loved her dearly. I, like so many others, am heartbroken. Rest in peace beautiful Annabel Giles. pic.twitter.com/O0mElREcqq
— Michael Smiley (@mrmichaelsmiley) November 21, 2023
