THE New Year has only just begun but we have already bid farewell to some beloved stars.
Here we take an opportunity to honour some of the celebrities who have sadly passed away.
Which celebrities have died in 2023?
David Gold
West Ham co-chairman David Gold died aged 86 on January 4, 2023.
He passed away following a short illness with his fiancée Lesley and daughters Jacqueline and Vanessa by his side.
David – worth over £500million – was raised on Green Street in East London, just yards from the Boelyn Ground.
A lifelong Hammers fan, David bought the club alongside his long-term business partner David Sullivan in 2010.
Fay Weldon
Screenwriter Fay Weldon died aged 91 on January 4, 2023.
She was the writer for ITV’s Upstairs Downstairs and the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
She also wrote more than 30 novels including The Life and Loves of a She-Devil and Praxis.
The latter earned her Booker Prize and Whitbread literature shortlist nominations.
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Michel Ferte
6Former Formula 3 driver and Le Mans runner-up Michel Ferte died on January 4, 2023.
Ferte's passing at the age of 64 was announced by Le Mans organiser the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
The Frenchman famously won the F3's Monaco Grand Prix in 1983 following his brother, Alain's, back-to-back victories in 1981 and 1982.
He then followed this up by claiming victory in the 1983 French F3 Championship after coming second the year prior.
Kelly Monteith
Comedian Kelly Monteith died aged 80 on January 3, 2023.
The comedy legend was best known as one of the first to be given his own BBC series – and the self-titled show ran from 1979 to 1984.
His death was confirmed by The Anglophlile Channel, a Los Angeles based production company that worked closely with him.
Kelly's sad passing came just a year after the comedian suffered two strokes.
Alan Rankine
Scottish musician and founding member of The Associates Alan Rankine died at the age of 64 on January 3, 2023.
The producer, best known for playing keyboard and guitar in the indie rock band, passed away after spending Christmas with his family.
His sons Callum and Hamish announced his death on social media.
The statement said: "It’s with great sadness that my brother, Hamish, and I announce the passing of our father, Alan Rankine.
"He died peacefully at home shortly after spending Christmas with his family.
"He was a beautiful, kind and loving man who will be sorely missed."
Ken Block
Rally car driving champ and former Top Gear star Ken Block died on January 2, 2023 at the age of 55 after a snowmobile crash.
His team Hoonigan Racing Division shared the news of his death saying "he will be incredibly missed."
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"Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband," the team said in a statement.
Ken was world-respected rally and stunt driver, who was also well known for his social media following and appearing on Top Gear.
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