Dr Alex George opens up about his first Christmas without his little brother
His younger brother Llŷr tragically passed away earlier this year
Dr Alex George has opened up about preparing for his first Christmas without his younger brother Llŷr, who tragically passed away earlier this year following a battle with his mental health.
The former Love Island star has been open about his grieving process with fans on social media and admitted that the festive period will be “tough” for him and his family.
As part of his campaign to raise awareness for mental health, Alex said, “Going towards Christmas is hard. Some days are good days, some days are bad days. Grief is an evolving thing. I've never had to grieve like this before.
“People say 'oh Alex you do all this stuff, you achieve all this stuff', and actually sometimes it's not a good thing. Stopping and processing is a part of grief. Sometimes, I have to slow down and take more time to allow myself to feel what I feel.”
“I love Christmas, I'm such a Christmassy person but obviously this one is going to be very difficult,” he added to the Mirror.
“The first without a family member is always going to be hard. I think it's going to be really tough for the rest of us, but obviously with Covid you can't exactly have a big Christmas.
"We'll have a very private Christmas this year and just get through it. There is no doubt it's going to be tough.”
Paying tribute to all the famous faces we've lost in 2020:
Kobe and Gianna Bryant
On the 26th January, basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were tragically killed when a helicopter they were travelling in crashed in Los Angeles. Nine others were also killed in the horrific accident.
Derek Acorah
TV medium Derek Acorah sadly passed away at the age of 69 in January. Derek's wife Gwen revealed he'd died following a short illness.
Derek Fowlds
Derek Fowlds, most famous for his roles in Yes Minister and Heartbeat, sadly died at the age of 82 in January following a battle with pneumonia.
Christopher Beeny
Upstairs Downstairs actor Christopher Beeny died at the age of 78 in January. His son confirmed the sad news on Twitter, writing, 'I have some sad news to impart. On friday 3rd of January my old dad Christopher Beeny died at his home in Kent.
'He was 78. Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair.' (sic)
Terry Jones
Monty Python legend Terry Jones sadly passed away at the age of 77 in January, after contracting a rare form of Dementia called FTD.
Harry Hains
American Horror Story star Harry Hains tragically died in January at the age of just 27.
Harry's mum confirmed the awful news, admitting her son 'struggled with mental illness and addiction'.
Nicholas Parsons
Just A Minute host Nicholas Parsons passed away at the age of 96, following a short illness in January.
Caroline Flack
Former Love Island host Caroline Flack tragically took her own life on Saturday 15th February, at the age of just 40.
Caroline's family released the following statement, "We can confirm that our Caroline passed away today on the 15th February. We would ask that the press both respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time."
Pop Smoke
20-year-old rapper Pop Smoke was shot and killed in his home during a suspected robbery in February.
Lynn Cohen
Sex and the City actress Lynn Cohen passed away at the age of 86 in her home in Manhattan in February. Her son Laurence Frazen confirmed the sad news.
Kirk Douglass
Hollywood legend Kirk Douglass sadly died at the astonishing age of 103 in February, with his son Michael confirming the sad news.
Nikita Pearl Waligwa
15-year-old actress Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who appeared in Disney's Queen of Katwe, tragically died in February after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Raphael Coleman
Raphael Coleman, who starred in popular movie Nanny McPhee, died at the age of 25 in February.
His mum confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, 'Rest in peace my beloved son Raphael Coleman, aka Iggy Fox. He died doing what he loved, working for the noblest cause of all. His family could not be prouder. Let's celebrate all he achieved in his short life and cherish his legacy.' (sic)
Max von Sydow
Legendary actor Max von Sydow, who appeared in things like Game of Thrones and Star Wars, sadly passed away at the age of 90 in March.
A statement released by his agent read, "It is with a broken heart and with infinite sadness that we have the extreme pain of announcing the departure of Max von Sydow, March 8, 2020."
Kenny Rogers
Country music legend Kenny Rogers passed away at the age of 81 from natural causes in March.
A rep said, "The Rogers family is sad to announce that Kenny Rogers passed away last night at 10:25 p.m. at the age of 81. Rogers passed away peacefully at home from natural causes under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family."
Roy Hudd OBE
Actor and comic Roy Hudd died at the age of 83 in March following a short illness.
His agent released the following statement, "We are sad to announce the passing of the much-loved and amazingly talented Roy Hudd OBE.
"After a short illness, Roy passed away peacefully on Sunday 15 March, with his wife Debbie at his side."
Lynn Faulds Wood
Scottish TV presenter and journalist Lynn Faulds Wood sadly passed away at the age of 72 in April, "having suffered a massive stroke and a subsequent bleed on the brain".
June Bernicoff
Following the death of her husband Leon in 2017, Gogglebox star June Bernicoff sadly passed away in May at the age of 82.
Gogglebox's Producer, Tania Alexander, shared an emotional tribute on social media to the couple.
Bob Kulick
Grammy award winning American guitarist Bob Kulick, who worked with bands such as Meat Loaf and KISS, sadly died at the age of 70 in May.
Bob's brother announced the sad news on Facebook, writing, "I am heartbroken to have to share the news of the passing of my brother Bob Kulick. His love of music, and his talent as a musician and producer should always be celebrated. I know he is at peace now, with my parents, playing his guitar as loud as possible. Please respect the Kulick Family's privacy during this very sad time."
Little Richard
Little Richard, real name Richard Wayne Penniman, who was best known for hits like 'Tutti Frutti' and 'Long Tall Sally', sadly died at the age of 87 following a battle with bone cancer in May.
Bonnie Pointer
American singer Bonnie Pointer, best known for being a member of the band The Pointer Sisters, sadly passed away at the age of 69 in June.
Her sister Anita said, "It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of The Pointer Sisters that my sister, Bonnie died this morning.
"Our family is devastated, on behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time."
Willie Thorne
Snooker legend Willie Thorne sadly died at the age of 66 in June, after being diagnosed with leukaemia in March.
Dame Vera Lynn
The nation's sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn, sadly passed away at the amazing age of 103 in June.
Releasing a short statement, her family said, "The family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain's best-loved entertainers at the age of 103.
"Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family."
Sir Ian Holm
Chariots of Fire and The Lord of the Rings actor Sir Ian Holm sadly passed away in June, at the age of 88.
Carl Reiner
Hollywood legend Carl Reiner sadly passed away at the age of 98 in June. His amazing career spanned a massive seven decades.
Charlie Daniels
Country music legend Charlie Daniels, best known for his song 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia', passed away at the age of 83 after a hemorrhagic stroke in July.
Jack Charlton
Football legend Jack Charlton, who was part of England's 1966 World Cup squad, sadly died at the age of 85 with his family by his side in July.
Jack had been diagnosed with lymphoma and was also suffering from dementia.
Kelly Travolta
John Travolta's wife Kelly tragically passed away at the age of 57 in July after she lost her two-year battle with breast cancer.
John paid tribute to his wife, writing on social media, 'It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my beautiful wife Kelly has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer. She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many.
'My family and I will forever be grateful to her doctors and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center, all the medical centers that have helped, as well as her many friends and loved ones who have been by her side. Kelly's love and life will always be remembered.'
Naya Rivera
Glee actress Naya Rivera tragically died at the age of 33 in July, after her four-year-old son Josey was found alone on a boat in Lake Piru, California. Following a search, police sadly confirmed they'd found Naya's body.
A statement from the Ventura Country Sheriff's office read, 'The news conference has concluded. Sheriff Ayub has confirmed the body recovered at Lake Piru today was Naya Rivera. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and fans during this difficult time. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of her death.' (sic)
Dame Olivia de Havilland
British-American actress Dame Olivia Mary de Havilland sadly died at the amazing age of 104 in July, of natural causes at her home in France.
Peter Green
Founder of Fleetwood Mac Peter Green sadly died at the age of 73 in July.
A statement confirmed the guitarists sad passing, reading, "It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Green announce his death this weekend, peacefully in his sleep."
Chadwick Boseman
Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman tragically died at the age of 44 in August, following a secret battle with colon cancer.
Chi Chi Devayne
Ru Paul's Drag Race star Chi Chi Devayne sadly passed away at the age of 34 in August, after being hospitalised with suspected kidney failure.
Rodney Litchfield
Early Doors, Coronation Street and Phoenix Nights actor Rodney Litchfield sadly died at the age of 81 in September, following many years of poor health.
Ronald 'Khalis' Bell
Kool & the Gang co-founder Ronald 'Khalis' Bell sadly died at the age of 68 in September.
Dame Diana Rigg
English actress Dame Diana Rigg, famous for her roles in Avengers and Game Of Thrones, died peacefully at her home in September at the age of 82, surrounded by her beloved family.
Jackie Stallone
Sylvester Stallone's mum Jackie Stallone sadly died at the age of 98 in September. The former Celebrity Big Brother star's passing was announced by her eldest son Frank.
Eddie Van Halen
Van Halen legend Eddie Van Halen sadly died at the age of 65 in October, following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Eddie Van Halen's son and band mate, Wolfgang, broke the devastating news on Twitter, writing, 'I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning.
'He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on and off stage was a gift.
'My heart is broken and I don't think I'll ever fully recover from this loss.
'I love you so much, Pop.'
Conchata Ferrell
Two and a Half Men actress Conchata Ferrell sadly passed away at the age of 77 in October, after complications from a cardiac arrest.
Bobby Ball
Comedy legend Bobby Ball, part of duo Cannon and Ball, sadly passed away at the age of 76 at the end of October, after testing positive for Covid-19.
Sir Sean Connery
Acting legend Sir Sean Connery sadly died in October at the age of 90.
Luis Troyano
In a truly touching moment, the Bake Off producers took the time to remember Luis Troyano, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Luis competed in the fifth series in 2014, making it to the final.
Geoffrey Palmer
As Time Goes By actor Geoffrey Palmer sadly passed away at the age of 93 in November, with his agent confirming the actor passed away peacefully at his home.
Des Connor
Comedian, singer and TV legend Des Connor sadly passed away at the age of 88 in November, following a fall at his home in Buckinghamshire.
Ray Clemence
Former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence sadly died in November following a long illness. His family released a statement which read, "With great sadness, we write to let you know that Ray Clemence passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his loving family.
"After fighting so hard, for such a long time, he's now at peace and in no more pain.
"The family would like to say a huge thank you for all the love and support that he's received over the years."
Diego Maradona
Footballing legend Diego Maradona sadly died at the age of 60 in November, after suffering a fatal heart attack.
Dave Prowse
Actor Dave Prowse, who played the role of Darth Vader in Star Wars, sadly passed away at the age of 85 in November 2020 following a short illness.
Dame Barbara Windsor
Following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, EastEnders legend Dame Barbara Windsor sadly passed away at a London care home on Thursday 10th December.
Her husband Scott said, "Her passing was from Alzheimer's/dementia and Barbara eventually died peacefully and I spent the last seven days by her side.
"Myself, her family and friends will remember Barbara with love, a smile and affection for the many years of her love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives and the entertainment she gave to so many thousands of others during her career.
"Barbara's final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end.
"It was not the ending that Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease deserve. I will always be immensely proud of Barbara's courage, dignity and generosity dealing with her own illness and still trying to help others by raising awareness for as long as she could.''
Gérard Houllier
Former Liverpool FC manager Gérard Houllier sadly died at the age of 73 following a heart operation.
Paying tribute to their former manager, Liverpool FC wrote on Twitter, 'We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gérard Houllier. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard's family and many friends. Rest in peace, Gérard Houllier 1947-2020.'
Jeremy Bulloch
Actor Jeremy Bulloch sadly passed away at the age of 75 on 17th December 2020. Best known for his role as the original Boba Fett in Star Wars films The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi, George Lucas said of his passing, "Jeremy was a true gentleman who was very supportive of Star Wars and its fans, and I'm very grateful for his contributions to the saga and its legacy."
During appearance on ITV’s Lorraine earlier this year, Dr Alex revealed he was when he out for dinner with friends when he received the heart-breaking news that Llŷr had died and said he felt “tremendous guilt”.
Alex explained, “You know, I'm the older brother, I always wanted to protect him, look after him. I thought, 'What could I have done differently? I'm supposed to be a mental health advocate and all the work I've done around it.'
"So it was anguish. It was the worst thing. Mental health and physical health is akin. Just as you can have a heart attack and pass away, mental health is just the same. Depression is an illness. That's why it's so important we treat it that way."
Our thoughts are with Dr Alex and his family.
Read more:
Dr Alex George reveals he felt 'immediate guilt' over brother's tragic death
Love Island's Alex George posts moving tribute to brother following funeral