A year like no other began with the shock death of basketball star and Oscar-winner Kobe Bryant before a pandemic upended life as we knew it.
Here are some of the high-profile figures who said their final goodbyes over the last 12 months:
29. Sir Sean Connery
Sir Sean, who died peacefully in his sleep aged 90, was seen in the eyes of many as the ultimate James Bond. Among the world leaders and celebrities to pay tribute, Pierce Brosnan, one of Sir Sean’s 007 successors, said he “cast a long shadow of cinematic splendour that will live on forever”.
30. Des O’Connor
O’Connor, an all-round entertainer whose career and popularity spanned decades, died at the age of 88, days after he suffered a fall at home. Melanie Sykes, who fronted Today With Des And Mel alongside O’Connor, paid tribute to him, saying it was an “education and a privilege to work with him”.
31. Bobby Ball
The comedian, known for his double act with Tommy Cannon, died at the age of 76 after testing positive for Covid-19. Cannon said: “Rock on, my good friend, I can’t believe this, I’m devastated.”
32. Geoffrey Palmer
Palmer, perhaps best known for his role as Lionel Hardcastle in As Time Goes By, died aged 93. Among those to pay tribute was his As Time Goes By co-star Dame Judi Dench, who described Palmer as a “master of comedy”.