Celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie dies aged 75 after bowel cancer diagnosis

Star had been hairdresser to Dame Helen Mirren, Kylie Minogue and The Beatles

Maira Butt
Friday 08 November 2024 15:08 GMT
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Trevor Sorbie reveals terminal cancer diagnosis

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Celebrity hairdresser and This Morning star Trevor Sorbie has died aged 76.

The news was revealed in an Instagram post shared by his team on Friday (8 November). It comes after he said he had been told he had ‘weeks to live’ and may not make it to Christmas.

The celebrity hair stylist, 76, has groomed stars including Dame Helen Mirren, Kylie Minogue, The Beatles’ stars George Harrison and Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Bryan Ferry, and Lorraine Kelly.

Last month, Sorbie revealed that he had been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, which has spread to his liver.

Despite being told that chemotherapy could give him an extra month of life, the hairdresser declined saying “I can’t face any more of that poison” in an interview with The Times.

“It is with heartfelt emotion that we share the passing of our esteemed founder, Trevor Sorbie MBE,” read a post by his hair salon announcing the death.

“Trevor passed away peacefully with his family and beloved dog by his side. Trevor’s journey, marked by unparalleled creativity and kindness, has left an indelible mark on the world of hairdressing and beyond.

“From pioneering The Wedge five decades ago to establishing our first salon in 1979, Trevor’s vision set new standards and continues to inspire generations. As we commemorate 45 years of Trevor Sorbie salons, we remain steadfast in upholding the passion, artistry, and dedication that he embodied.”

Hairdresser Trevor Sorbie has died (Myung Jung Kim/PA)
Hairdresser Trevor Sorbie has died (Myung Jung Kim/PA) (PA Archive)

It continued, “Trevor often reminded us to ‘be bold, be different, but always do everything in good taste.’ His ethos of kindness, care, and excellence continues to guide us. He expressed immense pride in our team and confidence in our commitment to carrying forward his legacy.”

Sorbie will have no funeral, as per his wishes.

“In lieu of flowers, we invite you to support four charities: Marie Curie, Cancer Research UK, Rowans Hospice and My New Hair, all close to his heart,” wrote his team.

“We also plan to celebrate his remarkable life and contributions with a special event next year and will share details in due course.”

The award-winning stylist had also set up the charity, My New Hair, to provide “public advice and support a national network of independent salons and professionals who provide a wig styling service for people suffering from cancer and medical hair loss”.

(ITV/This Morning)

In his last interview, Sorbie had said he had been told he may not make it to Christmas.

“When I asked a nurse if I’d still be here at Christmas, she said, ‘We don’t know, Trevor’. And that annoyed me. I’ve got cancer in my body, but not in here,” he said. “My brain is my engine and I’ll go when I’m ready.”

However, despite not taking any further chemo treatment, he is still taking steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation, which has given him “mad insomnia”.

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