BBC broadcaster Simon Warr dies aged 65 following cancer battle
22 February 2020, 11:23
BBC broadcaster and former teacher Simon Warr has died aged 65 following a short battle with pancreatic and liver cancer.
The former radio presenter and TV personality appeared as the headteacher in the Channel 4 series That'll Teach 'Em, which gave pupils a chance to experience life in a traditional English grammar school.
In 2012, he was wrongly accused of sex offences and went on to campaign against false allegations of sexual misconduct.
The news of his death was announced on his Twitter account by a spokesperson on Mr Warr's behalf.
It read: "It is with great sadness that I've been asked to let all Simon's followers know that he passed away early this morning at the age of 65 after a short battle with pancreatic/liver cancer.
"He was surrounded by his family, as well as the love and prayers of his many friends.
"Simon's family have asked me to thank everyone who sent him such kind messages of love, support & hope. Simon's campaign for justice for the falsely accused will continue.
"He had just finished writing a new book. Funeral arrangements will be shared soon."
Simon’s family have asked me to thank everyone who sent him such kind messages of love, support & hope. Simon’s campaign for justice for the falsely accused will continue. He had just finished writing a new book. Funeral arrangements will be shared soon.
— Simon Warr (@bbcsimonwarr) February 22, 2020
RIP Simon. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/3CkCmk7sqr
On Thursday, the former radio presenter and TV personality announced on Twitter that he had a "very serious health condition" and that it was unlikely he would be on social media again, after being admitted to a hospice.
He wrote: "Dear friends/followers, I’m unlikely to be on Twitter again. As some know already, I have a very serious health condition and am now receiving care in a hospice.
"I have asked a close friend to let you know the outcome, but I’d like to thank you all for your friendship & support."
Simon has asked me, on his behalf, to thank everyone who has sent such kind messages of love & support. Rest assured he is receiving the very best care. The hospice staff are wonderful. His family is with him, but he is now not able to receive other visitors. Thank you all. pic.twitter.com/xNhNcmUMIp
— Simon Warr (@bbcsimonwarr) February 21, 2020
The broadcaster added: "I like to think that my legacy will be a greater awareness of the human costs of false sexual allegations & wrongful convictions.
"It is a comfort to know that my book ‘Presumed Guilty’ has been useful for so many who have faced this ordeal & for their families"
"There is still much work to do, but I’ll not be able to be part of it. I have greatly enjoyed tweeting & campaigning, as well as meeting some of you. Goodbye to you all, dear friends. Yours, Simon."
The spokesperson also thanked everyone who sent "kind messages of love and support" to Simon. They commended the hospice staff for their "wonderful" care.
He was a tremendously loyal and very kind man whose abrasive on-air style belied his true thoughtfulness and compassion. He loved to broadcast, to write, and above all to teach. Taken too soon, and far too quickly. RIP pic.twitter.com/m2n78LsEae
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) February 22, 2020
Jeremy Vine was among those to pay tribute.
The BBC Radio 2 host said: "He was a tremendously loyal and very kind man whose abrasive on-air style belied his true thoughtfulness and compassion.
"He loved to broadcast, to write, and above all to teach. Taken too soon, and far too quickly. RIP".
Mr Warr began his broadcasting career on radio and regularly appeared on BBC Radio Suffolk.
A post on BBC Suffolk's Twitter account said: "We're very sad to be announcing that our friend and colleague Simon Warr died early this morning after a short spell with pancreatic cancer.
"Simon died surrounded by his family. He was a 'one-off' with a huge sense of fun. We will miss him so much."
