Blue Peter star's heartache as husband dies suddenly aged just 51

07 September 2023 , 10:29

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Violinist Giles Broadbent has died aged 51 after a 'short illness' (Image: Getty Images)

Musician Giles Broadbent, the husband of former Blue Peter star Diane-Louise Jordan, has died aged 51. The violinist, who was part of the quartet Stringfever, died following a battle with a "short illness", his family announced.

In a statement released on Thursday, his band revealed: "Although Giles had not been well recently, we as a family are still in shock at his passing. The band will be taking a break whilst we make funeral arrangements."

Giles and Diane tied the knot in 2007 and the former Songs of Praise presenter previously gushed over her "magnificent" husband who she called a "genius violinist". Praising her "amazing guy", she spoke of meeting Giles back in 2006.

Diane-Louise presented Blue Peter back in June 1995 (Press Association)

Detailing their "whirlwind romance", Diane previously admitted she "just knew he was the one". Last year she told Sheer Luxe: "We share similar values, even though we’re quite different people – I’m much more of an introvert and Giles loves the house to be busy and full of people. He’s also a musician, so he’s very expressive too."

Broadbent led orchestras for several West End shows including Sunset Boulevard, Phantom Of The Opera and My Fair Lady. He helped form Stringfever in 2003 alongside his younger brothers, Ralph and Neal, and cousin Graham.

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Stringfever are known for their version of Ravel’s Bolero, where all four players play on one cello at the same time, which was uploaded to YouTube and has more than a million views.

The band, who play a mixture of classical music, movie soundtracks and rock classics, have toured throughout the world including almost 20 US tours and in venues like the Opera House in Mumbai, India, and the Beijing Music Festival in China. They are also known for their radio and TV performances including on BBC Radio 2.

Broadbent studied at the Royal Academy of Music and in 2015 he and Ralph were awarded the prestigious title of associate of the London school (ARAM). The accolade is presented to alumni who have “contributed significantly to the music profession”.

Broadbent is survived by his wife, Diane, and their daughter and grandchildren. The family asked for privacy at this time.

Harry Rutter