Tributes paid to ITV sign language translator Alex Duguid, who has died aged 79

The Deaf community has today paid tribute to ITV sign language translator Alex Duguid, who has died at the age of 79.

Alex, from South Tyneside, worked for ITV SignPost Productions for almost 25 years, translating popular programmes on the channel such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

His work went viral amongst both Deaf and hearing audiences in 2015, when his appearance during an episode of Corrie seemed to give character Liz McDonald (Beverly Callard) a fright.

Alex said of the viral moment: “I was lost for words really. I only hope that this publicity will raise people’s awareness of sign language and the problems deaf people face.”

Two years later, he received an Outstanding Contribution Award from the Royal Television Society, and in 2019 he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to Deaf people and British Sign Language (BSL) education.

After receiving the award, Alex told ITV Tyne Tees: “I read through and it was from the Cabinet Service, and I was like, ‘oh, what’s this? Have I done something wrong?’

“I had a look, opened it all out, and I was so shocked to be reading through it, I had to read it twice.

“I’ve been awarded an MBE and I couldn’t believe it.”

When he received the award the next year, the Duke of Cambridge used sign language to sign “Congratulations Alex” during the ceremony.

Congratulations Alex Duguid MBE, honoured by The Duke of Cambridge for services to Deaf People and to British Sign Language Education 🎖️ pic.twitter.com/7jr7xDSPPN

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 14, 2020

Paying tribute to Alex, SignPost’s Managing Director Kenny Toal described the presenter as a “one-off”.

“He was so supportive of all his colleagues and loved being able to translate content from English to British Sign Language. He was really proud to be a key part in providing this service to his community.

“Alex was very passionate about our Signed Stories, which saw books translated into BSL for young Deaf children. This was something he never had access to growing up and he was so happy that he was able to do this during his time with us.

“There aren’t many people who have the influence he had over his lifetime, and his recognition a few years ago, when he was awarded the MBE was fitting.

“We will all miss him.”

BSLBT added that they were “saddened” the “passionate BSL user” had passed away.

“He certainly contributed a lot to the Deaf community and his achievements were recognised when he was awarded an MBE.

“We send our condolences to Alex’s family and friends,” they said.

Sign language awarding body Signature said on Twitter they are “incredibly sad” by the news.

“As a Signature teacher and assessor, he inspired so many people to learn BSL. Alex always had time to chat and to share his experience and knowledge with others, helping wherever he could,” they wrote.

Others have also taken to Twitter to share their memories of Alex:

Such sad news. So sorry to hear this and sending our condolences.

— NRCPD (@NRCPD) January 20, 2022

Thats so sad. He was lovely to watch 🙁

— SarahCassandro (@sazcass) January 20, 2022

Sad to learn this news. Sending our condolences to the Duguid family and friends… https://t.co/wvCubvuI19

— Craig Crowley MBE (@CEOActionDeafns) January 20, 2022

My sincerest condolences. He was my Sign Language teacher. A lovely, kind, pleasant and inspiring man. Thank you. R.I.P Alex

— Eleanor (@Eleanor0405) January 20, 2022

ITV Tynes Tees reports Alex had recently been in hospital and was unwell for a while.

According to his family, he passed away peacefully at home.

A documentary on Alex’s life is available to view online on BSL Zone.

Photo: @SignPostProd/Twitter.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.