Famous faces we have lost so far in 2016

It seems rare for a week to pass without a significant celebrity death being reported lately and, despite only being in April, 2016 has already seen some of our best loved famous faces pass away.

Here we take a look back and remember the famous faces that are no longer with us.

Natalie Cole

Singer Nat King Cole's daughter Natalie, who was famous in her own right as a musician, passed away on December 31 last year, American time, but news of her death from congestive heart failure reached the UK on January 1.

David Bowie

The music world was shocked at the death of rock superstar Bowie on January 10, at the age of just 69.

He passed away just three days after releasing his 25th studio album, keeping his 18-month battle with cancer so private that even close friends weren't aware of his struggle.

David Bowie on the Jonathan Ross show on BBC 1, in 2003 (Image: BBC)

Alan Rickman

Iconic Brit actor Alan Rickman was also 69 when he passed away on January 14.

The star, who was well known and loved for his roles in films including Harry Potter, died in hospital, also after a battle with cancer.

Sir Terry Wogan

Veteran broadcaster passed away on January 31 at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer.

His family issued a statement, announcing the sad news, which read: "He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time."

Sir Terry Wogan recording a track for Children in Need at Abbey Road studios in London. Photo: Katie Collins/PA Wire

Maurice White

The founder of soul group Earth Wind and Fire, White died in his sleep on February 4 after a battle with Parkinson's Disease

His band had a series of hits including September, Boogie Wonderland, Shining Star and After the Love has Gone.

Maurice White, of Earth, Wind, & Fire (Image: AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Harper Lee

Best known for writing the Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller To Kill a Mockingbird, author Lee died in her sleep on February 19 aged 89, just months after the long awaited sequel to her world famous novel was published - 55 years later.

Frank Kelly

Actor Frank Kelly, best known for his role as Father Jack in comedy Father Ted (pictured here in the role), died on February 28, aged 77. Kelly had an illustrious career which spanned six decades on stage and screen.

In October 2015, the actor revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Tony Warren

The creator of Coronation Street passed away on March 1 after a short illness.

He was considered one of the television industry’s greatest minds as he devised the idea for the Weatherfield soap at the age of 24 at the very beginning of his acclaimed writing career.

ITV of Coronation Street creator and writer Tony Warren on set. Photo by ITV/PA Wire

Sir George Martin

Just a week later, the man dubbed 'the fifth Beatle' passed away at the age of 90. He signed the band and produced many of their classic hits. He allowed the band to experiment and indulge in some of their wildest and most elaborate ideas.

George Martin arrives for the Stella McCartney fashion show at LIPA in 2008 (Image: Andrew Teebay)

Paul Daniels

Internationally acclaimed magician Daniels who achieved worldwide fame through his BBC series The Paul Daniels Magic Show, died of a brain tumour on March 17.

Denise Robertson

TV agony aunt Denise Robertson, best known for her stint on ITV's This Morning, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer aged 83 on March 31.

Ronnie Corbett

One of Britain's best loved comedians, Corbett was best known for his success his comedy sketch show The Two Ronnies, alongside the late Ronnie Barker.

He died aged 85 on March 31 after a battle with motor neurone disease.

David Gest

Music producer turned reality star David Gest was 62 when he was found dead in a London hotel on April 12. He was also known for a tempestuous marriage to actress and singer Liza Minnelli.

Victoria Wood

BAFTA-winning star Wood, who passed away on April 20 surrounded by her family, often demonstrated her attitude to life through satirical comedy.

Before her death, the 62-year-old star joked: "Life’s not fair, is it? Some of us drink champagne in the fast lane, and some of us eat our sandwiches by the loose chippings on the A597."

Victoria Wood, who has died aged 62 after a short battle with cancer, her publicist has said.

Prince

The music industry is still in shock at the sudden death of pop megastar Prince who passed away at his recording studios yesterday (April 21) in Minneapolis at the age of 57.

The musical genius behind Purple Rain and Little Red Corvette had been taken to hospital recently after his plane made an emergency landing, but it was reported he was merely suffering from flu. A cause of death is yet to be determined.