A tragic incident has claimed the life of British reality television star Ben Duncan, who died at the age of 45 after falling approximately 30 metres from the rooftop of the Trafalgar St. James hotel in London. The fall occurred on the evening of October 30, 2023, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
According to a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police, officers were alerted to reports of a “man on the roof” shortly after 23:00 hours. Despite the efforts of the London Ambulance Service, Duncan was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that his death, though unexpected, is not being treated as suspicious.
Duncan gained fame as a contestant on Season 11 of the UK version of Big Brother, and he was reportedly friends with Prince William during their time at St Andrews University in Scotland. He was part of the circle of friends that included Kate Middleton, who captured William’s attention during her university fashion show.
Reflecting on his university days, Duncan recounted a moment that significantly impacted the royal narrative. “She was in a very daring dress, in a sheer stocking-like outfit. He was sitting front row, and his eyes were like stalks,” he once recalled. “She brushed by him on the way to the catwalk, and things were never the same again— the whole history of the monarchy had been altered.”
After his stint on Big Brother, Duncan appeared on several other popular reality shows, including Australia’s Ladette to Lady and Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me. He also made an appearance during the broadcast of Prince William and Princess Kate’s wedding in 2011, sharing his thoughts on the momentous occasion.
Duncan’s personality shone through during his television appearances, where he often expressed his desire to avoid a conventional job. He humorously stated that if he could bring one luxury item into the Big Brother house, it would be “a competent hairdresser and stylist.”
Throughout his time on the show, Duncan’s sarcastic sense of humour sometimes led to conflicts with other contestants, resulting in weekly nominations against him. He later reflected on the pressure of being in such a competitive environment, noting, “I did make comments, but we are under pressure, and you do become snappy.”
The news of Duncan’s death has left many in shock, particularly those who remember his vibrant personality and unique contributions to reality television. As tributes pour in from fans and friends alike, his legacy as a well-known figure in British pop culture will not be forgotten.
