BBC legend who died after grim health battle left | UK News

TV star John Inman died nearly twenty years in the past to the date, March 8, after struggling from hepatitis A and present process checks due to liver problems. Even twenty years later he is still remembered as a beloved TV character after his iconic position on Are You Being Served? He famously performed salesman Mr Humphries in the comedy sequence from the mid-Nineteen Seventies to the mid-Nineteen Eighties and starred alongside Wendy Richard, Molly Sugden, Frank Thornton and Trevor Bannister.

His success had seen him amass a large fortune as he left a large property, totalling around £2.8million, which he left to his associate of 35 years, Ron Lynch. They’d had a civil partnership ceremony in 2005, which saved Ron from a £1million inheritance tax invoice at the time. He also placedc £5,000 to the Entertainment Artistes Benevolent Fund.

He constructed up his profession after working as a trainee window dresser at Fox’s Departmental Store in Blackpool when he completed faculty, before transferring to the Austin Reed store on London’s Regent Street at 18. He then started making costumes for close by theatres to top-up his wages. His earlier supervisor had said that he always knew John would not keep with them long because he consistently spoke of his ambition.

It was when he was 21-years-old that he left to focus on discovering fame. He then appeared in performs, pantomimes and musical theatre before touchdown his breakthrough after TV producer David Croft wrote him a letter telling him “one day I’m going to cast you in a role you can really get your teeth into.” He then wrote an episode for the BBC’s Comedy Playhouse and forged him as Mr Humphries.

Now, years on, people have still remembered him for his unimaginable work, with one person writing on Facebook: “In early 2026, his work is honored as a brilliant milestone in the history of social documentation for comedy. His successful recording career and impeccable timing on stage have made him a household favorite across the globe.

“He stays a radiant icon, a performer whose work continues to “shine with absolute charm” through the archival lens of basic British selection.” While another said they were remembering him still on today’s date, 19 years after he passed. He was branded “one of the best” as fans also said he was “chortle out loud humorous”.

John sadly died from hepatitis A, an inflammation of the liver, in St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, on March 8 2007.