Dame Deborah James has died after a five year battle with stage 4 bowel cancer.

The BBC podcast host was surrounded by her family in her final moments, a statement on her BowelBabe Instagram has confirmed, the Mirror reports.

The post read: "Dame Deborah James. We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family.

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"Deborah, who many of you will know as Bowelbabe, was an inspiration and we are incredibly proud of her and her work and commitment to charitable campaigning, fundraising and her endless efforts to raise awareness of cancer that touched so many lives.

"Deborah shared her experience with the world to raise awareness, break down barriers, challenge taboos and change the conversation around cancer. Even in her most challenging moments, her determination to raise money and awareness was inspiring.

Dame Deborah James and her husband Sebastien enjoyed a trip to the opera to see La Boheme
Dame Deborah James and her husband Sebastien enjoyed a trip to the opera to see La Boheme


"We thank you for giving us time in private as a family, and we look forward to continuing Deborah’s legacy long into the future through the @bowelbabefund.

"Thank you for playing your part in her journey, you are all incredible."

And a few final things from Deborah…“find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life.” x

The mum leaves behind husband Sebastien and children Eloise, 12, and Hugo, 14.

Deborah had been fighting stage 4 bowel cancer since December 2016 and had documented her fight on social media – having inspired millions of fans.

Dame Deborah James with her brother Benjamin James with fiancée Ashley Hall
Dame Deborah James with her brother Benjamin James with fiancée Ashley Hall

While the much-loved star had continued to maintain a positive outlook amid her cancer battle, the TV star took to social media in May to reveal that she no longer knew how long she had left as she opened up about her stage 4 cancer.

Deborah, who is behind the popular BBC podcast 'You, Me and the Big C', said that although she had been fighting her illness for five years, it was still not easy to accept and say goodbye.

In her final weeks, the mum-of-two revealed she was receiving end-of-life care at her home in Surrey.

She also had a private tour at the Chelsea Flower Show to see her rose, which The Harkness Rose Company named after her in tribute to the brave star in a 'lovely honour' which moved the dame to tears.

Deborah James has revealed she is too scared to sleep amid her end of life care
Deborah James has revealed she is too scared to sleep amid her end of life care

It came after she was honoured with a damehood by Prince William – just a few days after she revealed her cancer fight had taken a turn for the worse.

Dame Deborah told the BBC: "Flowers are a reminder of our future. We plant the seed not knowing what we might see grow.

"Being around nature gives us a lift and it is a reminder that life continues to blossom, even in some of the hardest places, and brings a smile to all of our faces, even in the hardest of times – particularly mine."

She added that she hopes one day the rose might feature in her daughter Eloise's wedding bouquet.

"It meant absolutely everything to me," she concluded.

Deborah James proudly shows off her Damehood after raising more than £6 million for Cancer Research UK in just five days
Deborah James proudly shows off her Damehood after raising more than £6 million for Cancer Research UK in just five days

On May 17, Deborah announced she had written a book called How To Live When You Could Be Dead, saying she wanted to share "how to have a positive mindset when we are faced with life’s biggest challenges".

In an emotional tweet, telling her followers the news about her prognosis, Deborah wrote: "The tweet I never wanted to write. The time has come to say goodbye.

"It has been five years to prepare, doesn’t make it any easy.

"I’m under hospice at home care and I’m spending my time surrounded by my family. Please buy me a wine to see me out and raise vital funds."

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