Trending Now: Dick Van Dyke declared dead following 100th birthday in radio mishap – Fans React

Heart Radio made a major blunder this morning during its entertainment news update.

Acting legend Dick Van Dyke was mistakenly announced to have passed away during an awful on-air blunder this morning (February 12). Sharing the “sad news” on Heart Radio’s Breakfast Show, reporter Ashley Roberts swiftly apologised for the sudden confusion.

Speaking to hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston during the entertainment news update, Ashley was seen to mix up Dick Van Dyke with actor James Van Der Beek, who sadly passed away on February 11 following a battle with bowel cancer.

Broadcasting live this morning, the former Pussycats Doll member announced: “Dawson’s Creek’s Dick Van Dyke has passed away.” Quickly noticing the blunder, Jamie swiftly jumped in to clarify: “Not Dick Van Dyke – come on. If you’re going to do a sensitive moment, if you’re going to do an obituary, you can’t just say Dick Van Dyke.”

As Ashley giggled at the mess up, Amanda reassured listening that “he’s alive”. The former Strictly contestant also corrected herself, saying: “Yes, [he’s alive] – he’s 100 years old!”.

Going on to apologise for the blunder, Ashley added: “Oh my gosh, we spoke about this, I’m so sorry.” She then clarified that it was Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek who had passed before offering another apology, reports the Mirror.

The US drama actor was diagnosed with colorectal cancer back in November 2024. His family sadly announced the 48-year-old had died “peacefully” yesterday on social media.

The statement on the actor and his wife Kimberly’s Instagram accounts reads: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.

“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Following the heartbreaking announcement, many of his Dawson’s Creek co-stars took to social media to pay tribute to their friend.

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His former on-screen love interest Katie Holmes shared a heartfelt statement, where she praised his “bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength”, as well as his “appreciation for life”.

She added: “This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. James. Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression.”

Sadly after the news broke, James’ wife Kimberly took to social media to share a link to a GoFundme appeal, highlighting the family’s “financial strain”.

Kimberly, who shares six children with the late actor, explained: “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.”

Despite the on-air blunder, Dick Van Dyke is seen to still be flourishing, with the actor celebrating his 100th birthday last December.

Opening up about his long life on the Where Everyone Knows Your Name podcast last year, he said: “Somebody said, ‘To what do you attribute your age and physical condition?’ and I said, ‘I’ve always exercised’. Three days a week, we go to the gym – still. I get down and do a lot of stretching and yoga-type things, sit-ups.”