Traitors star raising awareness of asthma after cousin's sudden death

Theo Mayne, star of BBC One's The Traitors, is sharing an emotional and poignant tribute to his beloved cousin Saffron, who tragically passed away unexpectedly from an asthma attack last year, aged 49.

- Harriet Sutton

Theo, 29, from Leeds, wants to raise awareness about the seriousness of asthma and the importance of being open and honest when dealing with grief.

"Saffron was a vibrant, energetic soul who embraced life to the fullest," said Theo. "She always found joy in the moment and celebrated life along the way. She was incredibly kind and caring, always willing to go above and beyond for others.

"No matter what I pursued, she was my biggest supporter. Words can't fully capture how truly amazing she was. Though she was 49 in years when she died, her heart and spirit remained forever 21."

Theo grew up in Roundhay and now lives in Wakefield. Describing his and Saffron’s close bond, he said: “Saffron was my cousin by relation but my best friend in life.

“Even if we didn’t see each other all the time, we always picked up right where we left off.

“I could tell her anything, and she would always listen. She played a huge role in shaping the confident person I am today.

“She was one of the first people I came out to as gay. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about her, and I truly believe she’s still with me in spirit.”