KATE Beckinsale's director stepfather has died at the age of 87.
The British actress has revealed her heartbreak at the loss of Roy Battersby, who was married to her mother for many years.
Who was Kate Beckinsale's stepfather Roy Battersby?
Born on April 20, 1936, in London, Roy Battersby was a British television director,
Early in his career, he made documentary features for the BBC programmes Tomorrow's World and Towards Tomorrow.
Kate’s mum, Judy Loe, also an actress, married Roy in 1997.
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The wedding took place 18 years after Kate’s dad, Porridge star Richard Beckinsale, died.
What did Roy Battersby direct?
Roy had a hugely successful career as a director.
He worked on a number of big TV British shows, such as Inspector Morse and Cracker.
His last credit was for an episode of A Touch of Frost in 2006.
In 2005, Roy's film Red Mercury was shown at the Montreal World Film Festival.
What was Roy Battersby's cause of death?
Roy suffered a “massive stroke” in December 2023 and was hospitalised in Los Angeles, California.
He was also battling two forms of cancer, having been diagnosed in the summer 2023.
On January 15, 2024, Kate revealed her beloved Stepfather had sadly died on January 10, 2024, following his stroke, and cancer diagnosis.
The actress had been caring for both her mum and stepdad with them both battling a number of serious illnesses.
Kate announced the news of his death on Instagram, where she paid tribute to him.
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Friends and followers were quick to pay tribute to Roy, with one writing: “I don’t know how you made it through last night with all that is going on. You are strong and a consummate pro.
“Having to leave the side of your beautiful Roy to honour this commitment at the Globes was above and beyond.
“Sending love and prayers to you and your family. I’m so happy you were able to make it back to the hospital.”
In reply, Kate said: “Thank you and thank you for your supportive texts all the way through. That was so kind xx.”
Kate previously mentioned her parents’ health problems online including sharing images of her mum having hospital treatment.
In an Instagram post in August 2023 she wrote: “Embrace joy. Accept grief. Wear feathers. Sing. Do what makes you feel happy even for a moment.
“Pair grief and sickness and fear with as much life and laughter and celebration as you possibly can.
“It doesn’t mean you are having some sort of crisis. It means you are choosing life, fiercely. Be brave, and when you don’t feel brave, listen. Laugh hard, dance hard, cry hard, love hard with those you trust.”
She added: “Spread love when you can. Read. Stay in bed and cry when it’s from all sides and feels like an avalanche. Try not to be mean, or to take on others meanness. People can break.
“Be kind. Fight with everything you’ve got for your loved ones , and for your own spirit x.”