This Morning star Trevor Sorbie dies following cancer battle aged 75
Celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie MBE has died aged 75 following a battle with terminal bowel cancer, his team announced today.
The This Morning star, who was a regular guest offering hair care advice on the ITV show, died peacefully surrounded by his family and beloved do
Sorbie had been a hairdresser to some of Britain’s biggest stars, including Dame Helen Mirren, Kylie Minogue and members of The Beatles.
The news comes just weeks after he revealed on This Morning that his cancer, first diagnosed in 2019, had spread and he had been given weeks to live.
In a statement shared on social media, his team said: “It is with heartfelt emotion that we share the passing of our esteemed founder, Trevor Sorbie MBE.”
The post detailed how Sorbie’s journey had “left an indelible mark on the world of hairdressing and beyond.”
His team highlighted his pioneering achievements, noting: “From pioneering The Wedge five decades ago to establishing our first salon in 1979, Trevor’s vision set new standards and continues to inspire generations.”
As the salon group commemorates its 45th anniversary, they pledged to maintain Sorbie’s standards of excellence.
The announcement confirmed there would be no funeral, as per Sorbie’s wishes.
Instead, supporters are invited to donate to four charities close to his heart: Marie Curie, Cancer Research UK, Rowans Hospice and My New Hair.
A special event celebrating his life is planned for next year.
Sorbie’s illustrious career saw him style the hair of some of Britain’s most recognisable faces, including Dame Helen Mirren and Kylie Minogue.
His celebrity clientele extended to music royalty, having worked with The Beatles’ stars George Harrison and Paul McCartney.
Other notable clients included Robbie Williams, Bryan Ferry, and television presenter Lorraine Kelly.
His impact on the hairdressing industry began five decades ago when he pioneered ‘The Wedge’ haircut, setting new standards in the field.
In 1979, he opened his first salon, marking the beginning of what would become a 45-year legacy in British hairdressing.
His creative vision and dedication to excellence earned him an MBE, recognising his significant contributions to the industry.
Throughout his career, Sorbie maintained his philosophy of being “bold” and “different,” while always ensuring everything was done “in good taste.”
Last month, Sorbie revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer that had spread to his liver.
Despite being offered chemotherapy that could extend his life by a month, he declined further treatment.
“I can’t face any more of that poison,” he told The Times in his final interview.
When discussing his prognosis with a nurse, Sorbie recalled: “When I asked a nurse if I’d still be here at Christmas, she said, ‘We don’t know, Trevor’. And that annoyed me.”
He remained defiant, stating: “I’ve got cancer in my body, but not in here. My brain is my engine and I’ll go when I’m ready.”
While refusing chemotherapy, he continued taking steroid injections to manage pain and inflammation, though these gave him “mad insomnia.”
His initial cancer diagnosis came in 2019, before spreading terminally this year.
Sorbie’s legacy in the hairdressing industry will continue through his salon group, which pledged to uphold his principles of “passion, artistry, and dedication.”
His team shared one of his most memorable quotes: “Be bold, be different, but always do everything in good taste.”
“His ethos of kindness, care, and excellence continues to guide us,” the statement added. “He expressed immense pride in our team and confidence in our commitment to carrying forward his legacy.”
In lieu of a traditional funeral service, which Sorbie specifically requested not to have, well-wishers are encouraged to support causes close to his heart.
Donations can be made to Marie Curie, Cancer Research UK, Rowans Hospice and My New Hair.
A special commemorative event celebrating Sorbie’s remarkable life and contributions is planned for 2024, with details to be announced.
