Deathrace

It's also somewhat surprising that Ray Illingworth, captain on Willis' first Ashes tour in 1970-1 and fellow TV commentator is still alive despite numerous recent health issues.

I don't think he looks too bad to be honest. Worth watching the various documentaries on the Ashes in the 1980s being screened recently by Sky. Of the 1981 players, Botham, Gower, Border, Kim Hughes, Terry Alderman, Geoff Lawson and John Dyson all interviewed. In hindsight, Willis didn't look well. No sign of Boycott, Dennis Lillee or Rod Marsh. Think all of the 1981 Australian touring party are currently still batting.

It appears to have been Prostate cancer according to social media.

Shocking news. Must have been sudden as he was a regular on Sky Sports until very recently. With Willis and Graeme Dilley dying pretty young and Geoff Boycott in precarious health, it's noticeable how English cricketers from the legendary 1981 Ashes are struggling compared to the Aussie line up of that era.

Not sure about Tebbitt this time. Granted he's frail but he was well enough to campaign for Iain Duncan Smith in Chingford this week and walk around. I think he may have 2-3 years left.

Dame Vera on Boxing Day

It's astonishing he's still alive. He looked elderly on the 1979 BBC General Election programme over 40 years ago!

Both Douglas and Oates look okay in this photo to me. In fact, Oates looks great for 71. Could easily pass as being in his 50s.

Looks a bit fuller in the face in that photo with Sharon Osborne. She's certainly giving cancer a good run for its money.

He was great as Mr Jolly in Clockwise. An excellent foil for an increasingly demented John Cleese.

Of the current batch, Olivia Newton John has been very ill for a long period of time.

Ironically for all the banter, Dunn appeared to be in decent health (for his age) until shortly before the end.

Whatever happens from here, it's good to hear here's had a happy and long retirement. He deserved it after getting blown up in To Play the King.

Not many of the cast from the first House of Cards series left now. Let's hope he lasts a few more years. He was great in House of Cards and To Play the King.

Drop him for next year. 2021 I reckon