Sussex stars who died in 2021: Sean Lock, Sebastian Eubank, Charlie Watts and more

In a year blighted by Covid-19, there were several shocking and unexpected deaths of celebrities with links to Sussex.

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Here are some of the high-profile people who were mourned during the past 12 months.

Sean Lock

Comedian Sean Lock died of cancer at the age of 58 in August.

The TV star was known for his role as team captain on Channel 4 comedy show 8 Out Of 10 Cats and spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

Sean, who previously resided in Lewes, also wrote and starred in the popular BBC sitcom 15 Storeys High.

A statement from his agent said the comedian died at his home surrounded by his family.

Sebastian Eubank

Sebastian Eubank died from a heart attack in the United Arab Emirates in July.

A funeral was held in Dubai for the 30-year-old, who had recently become a father.

Sebastian’s brother Chris Eubank Jnr shared a photo of him in front of a large mural that has been painted in Trafalgar Lane, Brighton, in his brother’s memory.

Andrew Michael

Gogglebox star Andrew Michael died in August following a short illness.

The 61-year-old and his Brighton-based family first appeared on the TV show in the debut episode in 2013, but announced in 2014 that they were leaving because Mr Michael was running for Ukip in the general election.

After he failed to secure the Hastings and Rye seat, the family returned for future episodes.

Charlie Watts

The Rolling Stones drummer died in August at the age of 80.

The news came weeks after the former Lewes resident pulled out of the band's No Filter tour following an emergency heart operation.

Phil Jerrod

Romesh Ranganathan and Nish Kumar led tributes following the death of fellow comedian Phil Jerrod in September.

The 42-year-old, who lived in Brighton, died at home with his wife Beck by his side after a cancer diagnosis.

Bafta-winning comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who was supported by Jerrod on his UK tour in 2016, described him as a “brilliant comic” and “one of the kindest and loveliest men you could ever meet”.

Ted Dexter

Sussex and England cricketer Ted Dexter died in August at the age of 86.

He captained England in 30 matches out of his 62 test match appearances.

He spent 11 years at Sussex from 1957 to 1968, where he skippered them to their first two limited-overs trophy in the club's history.

He scored 4,502 runs for England.

Christopher Lee

Historian and author Christopher Lee died in February at the age of 79 after contracting Covid-19.

He was widely known as the writer behind the BBC’s This Sceptred Isle radio series, and died at his home in Sussex surrounded by his family.

Carlos Marín

IL Divo singer Carlos Marín died with Covid-19 at the age of 53 - just two weeks after performing in Brighton.

The vocal group took to the stage at the Brighton Centre on December 4.

Four days later, Carlos was reportedly admitted to hospital.

Il Divo announced the 53-year-old had died on Twitter.

Mike Weatherley

Former MP Mike Weatherley died in May after a long battle with cancer.

He served as the Conservative MP for Hove from 2010 to the 2015 general election.

He was unable to stand for a second term in 2015 due to his cancer battle.

Dom Busby

Radio presenter Dom Busby died in June following a short illness.

The 53-year-old had worked at the BBC for more than 30 years, including stints at BBC Radio Sussex, BBC Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live.

John Challis

The Only Fools And Horses star died from cancer at the age of 79 in September.

John Challis, who played car dealer Boycie in the sitcom, married his fourth wife Carol Davies in Brighton in 1995.