Theo Burrell, an expert on ceramics and glass for the BBC series “Antiques Roadshow,” died on July 8 at the age of 39. Her family announced her passing on Saturday, noting that her death occurred sooner than anticipated by her medical team.
Burrell was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor, four years prior to her death. The condition typically carries a life expectancy of 12 to 18 months. Despite the grim prognosis, Burrell had expressed hope and determination in her fight against the disease.
"It is with great sadness that I share the news that Theo passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday afternoon. Neither she nor her medical team foresaw this happening quite so quickly," her family said in an Instagram post. "She was an incredible person who fought hard for her family, friends and raising awareness of this cruel disease."
In a social media update two weeks prior to her death, Burrell marked four years since her diagnosis and reflected on surpassing her initial life expectancy. She acknowledged the physical challenges following a second surgery in January, including the loss of peripheral vision and diminished coordination, but emphasized her commitment to living each day.
Burrell developed an interest in antiques at a young age, earning advanced degrees in History and Decorative Arts from the University of Glasgow. She began her career in the antiques field in 2011 as a specialist with the auction firm Lyon & Turnbull and joined the cast of “Antiques Roadshow” in 2018.
In addition to her television work, Burrell underwent various treatments for her glioblastoma, including surgery and chemotherapy. She also became an advocate for the UK nonprofit Brain Tumor Research three years ago. The organization’s CEO, Dan Knowles, remembered Burrell as "phenomenal, determined and truly inspiring."