Is that the three?

I'm hoping that's the three as I'm not sure I can handle much more. 

Celebrity deaths come in threes. 

First, Neale Daniher. Then Anthony Head. Now, this morning, Richard Collyer. 

If I was still participating in that most questionable of games, Death Watch, a game which an old, cynical journalist, I will admit that Neale Daniher and Richard Collyer would probably be mentioned. 

For those not aware of the Death Watch concept, the more cynical of journos make a list at the start of the year. A list of the great and good who they think may kick the bucket in the preceding calendar year. This is not a list made out of spite or malice. It's just your predictions of who you think may shrug the mortal coil. The death needs to be noted in at least two major papers. We're not talking about your 103-year-old uncle, or your nana. These are the passings of notable people whose names you know. 

If I'm being honest, if was to make such a list, Neale Daniher and Richard Collyer would possibly be on there. Great men. Their amazing works have contributed to society. Their memories are a blessing, their works will continue. And they are no longer suffering. Daniher was given the Motor Neurone diagnosis over ten years ago. The normal life expectancy for MND is two years. Collyer's aggressive brain cancer was treated, and he was given some more time. Both will be remembered for their fighting spirits and generous ways. Can you ask for more than that?

The third passing, Anthony Head, is just very sad. He's been on our television screens for decades. Rupert Giles in Buffy. Uther Pendragon in Merlin. Rupert Manion in Ted Lasso. He played a mean Frankenfurter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His performances were always nuanced. He got the best out of any performance he gave. And by all accounts, he was the nicest, kindest and most generous of colleagues, friends and performers.

It's never easy when one of your celebrity crushes goes by the way. Anthony Head was one of mine.

I'm hoping that's it for the while. That's the three celebrities gone.

And sure, they killed off a favourite character on Rivals the other night - it's not the same. 

I'm also not sure Donald Trump will be around for much longer - he looks awful - and possibly the global response to him no longer being around might be met with something different to the sadness and reverence I'm feeling at the moment. 

Today's song: