Remembering Derek Acorah

A Life Between Two Worlds

Remembering Derek Acorah: In January 2020, the spiritual and paranormal world lost one of its most recognised, discussed, and debated figures when Derek Acorah passed away at the age of 69. 

For some, he was a pioneering psychic medium who brought spirit communication into living rooms across the country. For others, he was a showman whose style stirred as much scepticism as it did belief. But whatever your opinion, one thing is certain: Derek made an impact. He became a household name in a field where most practitioners quietly work in the background, and in doing so, he changed the way mediumship was seen in mainstream culture.

As a working medium myself, I wanted to take time to reflect on Derek’s journey — his beginnings, his rise to fame, his challenges, and the legacy he left behind, both for those who believe in spirit and for those who simply enjoy the conversation it inspires.

Early Life – The Boy from Bootle

Born Derek Francis Johnson in Bootle, Liverpool, in 1950, Derek grew up in a working-class community. He often spoke of experiencing spirit from a young age, claiming his first encounter was with his late grandfather. That early experience, as he described it, planted the seeds of curiosity and belief in an unseen world.

But before he stepped fully into that world, Derek pursued another passion — football. In his youth, he played professionally, joining Liverpool FC’s reserves before going on to play for other clubs, including overseas teams. Football offered him discipline, focus, and an understanding of performance under pressure — skills that, in hindsight, would serve him well in his later public career.

Finding His True Calling

After football, Derek shifted his attention towards developing his psychic and mediumistic abilities. Like many of us who walk this path, he began humbly — offering private readings, appearing in spiritualist churches, and giving demonstrations to small audiences.

From early on, his style stood out. Derek combined warmth, confidence, and a degree of theatricality that could hold a room’s attention. His readings were often delivered with a mix of emotional intensity and performance flair, and this combination would eventually become his signature.

The Television Years – Most Haunted and the Rise to Fame

Derek’s career took a dramatic turn in the early 2000s when he became the resident medium on the television show Most Haunted.

Each week, viewers followed Derek, presenter Yvette Fielding, and the investigation team into historic and allegedly haunted locations across the UK and beyond. Armed with his impressions, spiritual messages, and the assistance of his oft-mentioned spirit guide “Sam,” Derek became the focal point of many episodes.

His delivery — passionate, dramatic, and unafraid to show emotion — drew millions of viewers. He made mediumship engaging for people who had never attended a spiritualist demonstration before. Whether they believed in what they were seeing or not, they tuned in. And for a psychic medium, that kind of reach was unprecedented.

A Controversial Figure

With fame, however, came intense scrutiny. Some of Derek’s televised moments became the subject of tabloid headlines, and a few high-profile incidents sparked accusations from sceptics that certain communications were staged or influenced.

One of the most publicised was an episode where Derek appeared to channel a fictional spirit planted by the crew as a test. For his critics, it was a defining moment that discredited his work. For his supporters, it was an unfair setup in a high-pressure filming environment that should not overshadow years of service.

The debates around Derek’s authenticity followed him for much of his career. Yet, despite the criticism, he pressed on — continuing to tour, publish books, and perform live. That resilience alone says something about his determination to keep sharing his work, even under a level of public scrutiny most mediums never face.

Beyond the Camera – The Man Himself

Away from the bright lights and television editing, Derek was often described as warm, generous, and approachable. Fans tell stories of him spending time after shows chatting, listening, and offering quiet words of comfort.

Mediumship can be emotionally intense work — not just for the recipient, but for the medium too. The role requires empathy, focus, and an ability to manage other people’s grief with care. By many accounts, Derek took that responsibility seriously, even if his public persona sometimes overshadowed the quieter moments of compassion that defined much of his off-stage work.

His Style and Impact

Derek’s style was undeniably his own. He had a showman’s presence, a knack for holding attention, and a willingness to lean into the theatrical elements of spirit communication. Some in the field embraced this as a way to keep audiences engaged; others preferred a more understated approach.

Regardless, Derek’s influence is undeniable. He made mediumship a talking point at a time when it was often relegated to small circles. He inspired curiosity in people who might never have considered attending a reading, and he encouraged debate — something that, love it or hate it, keeps the subject alive in public discourse.

The End of an Era

When Derek passed away in January 2020 after a short illness, tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and even former critics. People shared stories of seeing him live, meeting him in person, and watching his shows with family. Many spoke of moments when a message he delivered had touched them deeply or made them rethink their views on life after death.

His passing marked the end of an era for televised mediumship. While many mediums continue to work on television and stage, few have reached Derek’s level of public recognition or left such a strong cultural imprint.

My Reflection – As a Fellow Medium

As a medium, I know how challenging it can be to do this work under any circumstances — let alone under the glare of television cameras, with every word and gesture open to interpretation by millions.

I didn’t always agree with Derek’s approach, and I know he wouldn’t have agreed with everyone else’s. But one of the most important truths in this work is that no two mediums are the same. Each of us works with spirit in our own way, shaped by our life experiences, our personalities, and the way we perceive the world.

Derek found a way to connect with people on a massive scale. He stood by his convictions, weathered criticism, and kept moving forward. That takes courage.

Farewell, Derek

Today, Derek Acorah is part of the very world he spent his life describing. I like to imagine him there, reunited with loved ones, full of that same lively energy, still sharing stories, and still eager to connect.

Rest in peace, Derek. Thank you for the conversations you started, the comfort you brought to many, and the role you played in bringing the idea of life after death into the public consciousness. Your journey here was bold, colourful, and unforgettable.

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Remembering Derek Acorah