We are much saddened by the announcement that Annabel Giles has died just a few months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 64.
Best known as an actor and television presenter, Annabel was much loved by those of us in the comedy community who had the good fortune to work with her. In 2009 she reached the semi-finals of the Funny Women Awards (that year won by London Hughes) and she went on to work with us, often hosting and appearing as a special guest, most notably at both the Latitude and Hay Festivals in 2010.
Her children Molly and Tedd shared the news about their ‘incredible mother’ on social media after she died on Monday afternoon at Martlets Hospice in Hove.
Annabel appeared on the 13th series of the reality show I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! in 2013 and also wrote several novels. More recently she retrained and was a practising counsellor and psychotherapist.
Lynne Parker, founder of Funny Women says, ‘I was slightly in awe of Annabel who I’d admired from afar as a television presenter with rock star connections and a very posh voice. I remember the whispers of recognition when she showed up to compete in our Awards but, true to her sense of decency and style, she never expected to be treated any differently and we all loved working with her.
‘I think I speak for a lot of us when I say that she was taken too soon and our hearts go out to her family and closest friends at this time.’
Photograph taken by Claudia Wass at the 2009 Funny Women Awards semi-final, held at the Leicester Square Theatre, London.
