Radio Host, Ashley Roberts, Reports Dick Van Dyke as Dead in On-Air Mistake

There was a pretty tense moment during a live radio broadcast in the United Kingdom. A radio host made a mistake, announcing the death of Dick Van Dyke, the 100-year-old comedy icon, before others jumped in to issue a correction. The longstanding radio host was actually trying to announce the death of James Van Der Beek, star of the early 2000’s teen drama, Dawson’s Creek.

Heart Radio’s Breakfast Show mistakenly announced Dick Van Dyke’s death

James Van Der Beek’s death at 48 from cancer made for a very awkward moment on live radio. Shortly after the iconic actor’s death was announced, Ashley Roberts, host of Heart Radio’s Breakfast Show, announced the passing. She, however, made a mistake with Van Der Beek’s name. Instead of announcing his death, she said  Dawson’s Creek Star, Dick Van Dyke, had died.

While Roberts’ co-host issued an immediate correction, the blunder elicited gasps from plenty of listeners. Roberts apologized, before others chimed in to assure everyone Dick Van Dyke was doing just fine. Van Dyke turned 100 on December 13, 2025. He appears to be in good health.

James Van Der Beek dead at 48

While Dick Van Dyke is alive at 100, Hollywood is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek. The teen icon died on February 11 after battling stage III colorectal cancer for more than two years. Van Der Beek announced that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer after a colonoscopy in 2023. After the original announcement, Van Der Beek shared his journey with the world, occasionally updating with good news.

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A post shared by James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames)

While Van Der Beek’s treatments pushed the cancer into remission more than once, it ultimately returned. He was set to appear with the cast of Dawson’s Creek in September, but had to back out due to illness. Fans were shocked by his gaunt appearance in a pre-recorded video message for the event. In the weeks leading up to his death, he shared family updates but avoided discussing his cancer.

Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, announced his death via Instagram. Friends and former co-stars were quick to react, and a GoFundMe campaign to help support his wife and six children has more than met its goal.