Sunday 19 June 2022 08:49 PM Dame Deborah James reveals her father has to brush her hair because she too ... trends now

Dame Deborah James has revealed her father has to brush her hair because she no longer has the strength to it herself as she receives end-of-life care for bowel cancer.

The mother-of-two, 40, today shared a picture on Instagram showing father Alistair combing her hair as she sits in a chair in front of him looking towards the floor.

Dame Deborah, who is currently receiving palliative care at her parents' home in Woking, marked Father's Day with a touching tribute, describing how he has 'always been a very calming, loving presence'.

The Instagram post read: 'Happy Father's Day! Yes my Dad is brushing my hair because I have no strength anymore to brush this....'

And speaking to The Sun, she added: 'My dad is my unsung hero, more so than ever. He’s quietly there behind the scenes, making sure I am OK. 

'He’s always been a very calming, loving presence in my life — he’s very good at handling me and all my craziness. His patience knows no bounds.'

She continued: 'It didn’t matter how naughty I’d been, he knew how to handle me. When I ruined the bathroom when I dyed my hair, he took it all in his stride.

'Even at the age of 40, he was the man I called if I broke down. He would walk to me with a can of petrol when I ran out and needed to be rescued.

'My whole life, he has just been standing behind me, quietly holding me up.'