Kirstie Allsopp has criticised Bafta for using the word 'passing' in its tribute to Dame Penelope Keith, saying she 'was not a bottle of ketchup'. The Location, Location, Location presenter took to social media to express her displeasure after the academy described the actress's death as a 'passing'.
Bafta's tribute wording sparks debate
Dame Penelope Keith, best known for her role in The Good Life, died aged 86 after a cancer diagnosis. Her family announced her death earlier this week, prompting tributes from co-star Felicity Kendal, comedian Sue Perkins, and former culture secretary Jeremy Hunt. Bafta released a statement saying: 'We're saddened to learn of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith, aged 86. A familiar face on stage and screen, Keith won a Bafta for her iconic role in The Good Life in 1997 and another for her work in The Norman Conquests and Saving It For Albie in 1978, with a further three BAFTA nominations during her career.'
However, Allsopp took issue with the word 'passing', which is a euphemism for death dating back to the 14th century. She replied to Bafta on X, writing: 'It's “death”, Dame Penelope died, she was an absolute national treasure, she lived and worked and was brilliant and then she died. Dame Penelope did not “pass”; she was not a car or a bottle of ketchup.'
Allsopp defends her stance
The TV presenter faced disagreement from some users who argued that 'passed' is a gentler term. Allsopp responded: 'Bafta is an organisation not a person, and as Dame Penelope's family statement said she had died, they should have at least reflected their language.' The family's statement on Monday read: 'We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey, where she had lived for more than 50 years. [We're] grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.'
Allsopp is no stranger to social media debates, having previously exchanged words with Michael Rosen over his use of a Freedom Pass in London.
