Television presenter Kirstie Allsopp has voiced strong criticism of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for its choice of words in announcing the death of actress Dame Penelope Keith. Allsopp argued that BAFTA's use of the term 'passing' was inappropriate, contending that a direct acknowledgment of 'death' was more fitting for an organization, especially when Dame Penelope's family had stated she had died.
BAFTA's statement on X, formerly Twitter, read: 'We're saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith, aged 86. A familiar face on stage and screen, Keith won a BAFTA for her iconic role in The Good Life in 1997 and another for her work in The Norman Conquests and Saving It For Albie in 1978, with a further three BAFTA nominations during her career.'
In response, Allsopp stated, 'It's "death", Dame Penelope died, she was an absolute national treasure, she lived & worked and was brilliant and then she died. Dame Penelope did not "pass", she was not a car or a bottle of ketchup.' She further elaborated that as BAFTA is an organization and not an individual, it should have mirrored the language used by Dame Penelope's family in their announcement. The family's statement had clearly stated: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years.'
Allsopp engaged in discussions on X, where some users suggested that 'passed' is a gentler term. However, she countered that euphemisms for dying can be jarring and diminish the impact of the event. She also noted that many grieving individuals find such phrasing to be insensitiv
Dame Penelope Keith, celebrated for her roles in sitcoms such as 'The Good Life' and 'To The Manor Born,' died at the age of 86 following a cancer diagnosis. She began her career on stage before becoming a prominent television personality. Her portrayal of Margo Leadbetter in 'The Good Life' earned her a BAFTA award in 1977. She also starred as Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in 'To The Manor Born.'
Colleagues paid tribute to the actress, with Felicity Kendal describing her as a 'comic genius' and 'a joy to know and work with.' Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth remembered her as 'a wonderful actress, a real friend, so funny, so generous,' adding that 'Hers was indeed a good life.' Sue Perkins hailed her as 'queen, legend, icon.'
Jeremy Clarkson echoed Allsopp's sentiment, commenting on X: 'I loathe "passing". Loathe it.'
BAFTA has been contacted for comment on the matter.