Cherie Blair’s father Tony Booth has died

Our thoughts are with his family

It was announced today that actor and campaigner Tony Booth has passed away aged 85.

The high profile figure is best known for his iconic role as Mike Rawlins on the 1960s BBC sitcom, Till Death Do Us Part, but he is also the father of Cherie Blair, wife to ex-Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

Breaking the news this morning, his wife, Steph Booth, released a statement:

‘It is with sadness we announce the death of Antony Booth, actor and political campaigner. Tony passed away late last night with close family members in attendance. The family ask for their privacy to be respected at this time.’

This news comes after a thirteen-year battle with dementia, with Booth diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2004.

Steph Booth opened up about her husband’s health struggles years ago to the Irish Times, calling her daughter Cherie ‘a constant source of support’.

‘There are dark times when I feel I can no longer cope. It is hard to repeat the same answer again and again as if each time were the first response to the question,’ Steph explained of Tony’s condition.

‘Tony is leaving me and I will not get him back. Hopefully, we are still some way off Tony completely retreating into the hinterland of his mind. Sometimes I wonder if reaching that final stage might not actually be a blessing for him.’

She continued: ‘He is aware of what is happening and can become very frustrated. These are the hardest times for me.’

Our thoughts are with his family.