Daisy May Cooper Recalls Late Friend Michael Sleggs’ Touching Final Moments
Michael Sleggs, known for his role in the BBC comedy This Country, had the character written specifically for him by his friends and the show’s creators, Charlie and Daisy May Cooper. Despite facing significant health challenges throughout his life, including battling cancer as a teenager and dealing with heart issues, strokes, and mobility problems, Sleggs remained positive. After his passing, his co-star and best friend, Daisy May Cooper, opened up about their friendship and the supernatural experiences she believes connected them, according to Celebrity Tidbit.
Daisy, 38, recently appeared on Loose Women to discuss the impact of Sleggs’ death. She explained that he had been placed on palliative care due to heart failure and was only 33 years old when he passed away. Reflecting on their friendship, she shared how difficult it was to lose not only a co-star but also a childhood friend.
Recalling their last conversation, Daisy described how Sleggs, despite being in immense pain, had found peace. “He phoned me and said, ‘You know Daisy, I’m not scared anymore; I had this kind of angelic spirit come to me and said in seven days that I would have a new body. Which means I’m either going to get better or I’m going to pass away – but I will be free of this pain.’” Sleggs died within the predicted seven days, which Daisy found extraordinary, saying, “There are so many things that you just can’t explain.”
Sleggs had expressed his regret at not being able to attend a local event, the Phoenix Festival before he died. Daisy found it touching that, of all things, this event was what he would miss most.
After his death, Daisy believes she received a sign from Sleggs. While in bed with her partner, she heard a noise. “There was this banging on the bedroom door, and I’m like ‘it can’t be the cat,’ like do they have knuckles?’” she joked. The noise, which her partner also heard, coincided with the day of the Phoenix Festival, reinforcing her belief that it was Sleggs reaching out. Fighting back tears, she added, “That’s got to be him.”
Following his death, Daisy and Charlie May Cooper paid tribute to Sleggs on Twitter, writing, “We are completely heartbroken. Michael was utterly unique. He was kind, he was caring, he was loving. One of the most considerate, generous, and gentle friends you could ever wish for and funny.”
BBC Controller of Comedy, Shane Allen, also honored Sleggs’ memory, stating, “Michael was a true one-off and an idiosyncratic part of the show’s distinctive world. His work and spirit will endure as part of the ongoing popular legacy of this much-loved show. Our hearts go out to family and friends at this poignant time.”
Daisy, who has written a book on her supernatural experiences, including those with Sleggs, says his memory continues to inspire her.