Kate Beckinsale announces death of beloved stepfather Roy Battersby

Battersby, a television director behind shows such as Between The Lines, Inspector Morse, Cracker and A Touch of Frost, was hospitalized in Los Angeles where Beckinsale lives last month.

He had suffered “a massive stroke” while battling two forms of cancer, diagnosed in summer 2023.

On Monday night, Beckinsale posted a series of videos and images of Battersby with the caption: “I have no words yet.”

She added: “I fought for you with everything I had . Oh Roy I am so sorry I lost.”

Earlier this month, Beckinsale rushed from the Golden Globes ceremony to hospital to be by her stepfather’s side, sharing photos of herself on the red carpet and in hospital with the caption: “Golden globes 2024 start to end.” It comes as 50-year-old Beckinsale’s mother - the actress Judy Loe - also battles a slew of health issues. 

The 76-year-old was diagnosed with a longstanding illness six years ago.

The unconfirmed condition is something that her daughter has alluded to in several Instagram posts in recent years. 

Beckinsale’s mother married Battersby in 1997. Their marriage came 18 years after the Pearl Harbor star’s father, Porridge star Richard Beckinsale, died. 

Battersby’s funeral will be held in London with Beckinsale suggesting further details would follow.