Nick Pope, former head of UK UFO project, dies at 61 after battle with cancer
He was not n the list.
Nick Pope, renowned for his role in managing the British
government’s UFO project, has passed away at home, as announced by his wife,
Elizabeth Weiss, on social media platform X. The couple shared a close bond,
and Weiss expressed her profound sorrow, stating, “My heart is breaking — Nick
passed away this afternoon at our home.” She noted that, despite his suffering
in recent weeks, Pope continued to participate in interviews from home,
showcasing his resilience until the very end. It is believed he was around 60
or 61 years old at the time of his passing.
While the exact cause of Pope’s death has not been
confirmed, it is widely understood that he was battling advanced esophageal
cancer. He had publicly revealed his diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer back in
February 2026 after experiencing digestive issues. In a candid update, he
shared the gravity of his condition, writing, “I can’t beat it,” and reflected
on the extraordinary career he had, which spanned over two decades at the UK
Ministry of Defense.
Throughout his career, Pope dealt with various topics,
ranging from financial policy to counter-terrorism, before becoming famous for
managing the UFO desk, where he investigated Unidentified Flying Objects. His
work in this field eventually led him to media prominence, appearing regularly
on TV programs and documentaries, and earning the nickname “the real Fox
Mulder.”
In his heartfelt messages, Pope reminisced about his life’s
journey, expressing gratitude for the experiences he had, the connections he
made, and the secrets he uncovered in his governmental role. He mentioned the
joy he found in his marriage to Elizabeth, a scientific skeptic and
anthropologist, describing her as a “real-life Agent Scully.” Their whirlwind
romance began in 2010, culminating in a marriage just three months later. The
couple shared numerous adventures across the United States, including a recent
year in New York City.
Pope continued to work in the field until shortly before his
death, undertaking various film and TV engagements and tirelessly advocating
for the topic of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). He acknowledged his
followers and fans, encouraging them on their own journeys and thanking them
for their support throughout his career.
Despite Pope’s significant public profile, exact details
regarding his net worth remain undisclosed. His diverse income streams included
ticket sales for his live shows, book sales, and various media appearances,
leading many to speculate that he had amassed a considerable fortune.
Nick Pope’s legacy is marked not only by his contributions
to ufology but also by the deep, meaningful relationships he fostered in both
his personal and professional life. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the
discourse surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena and an enduring memory for
those who knew him.
Additional Crew
Josh Gates in Expedition Files (2024)
Expedition Files
7.3
TV Series
expert
2025
1 episode
Ancient Aliens (2009)
Ancient Aliens
7.0
TV Series
images courtesy of
2024–2025
4 episodes
Laurence Fishburne in History's Greatest Mysteries (2020)
History's Greatest Mysteries
7.0
TV Series
archival materials provided by
2025
1 episode
UFOs Declassified (2015)
UFOs Declassified
6.6
TV Series
consultant
2015
4 episodes
Writer
Aliens from the Abyss: The Dark Side of the UFO Phenomenon
Writer
CompletedVideo
2025
Apocalypse Covid (2024)
Apocalypse Covid
Video
Writer
2024
Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Inside the Military Zone (2024)
Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Inside the Military Zone
Video
Writer
2024
After Contact (2023)
After Contact
TV Series
Writer
2023
God Vs Aliens
Short
Writer
2023
Aliens at the Pentagon (2018)
Aliens at the Pentagon
5.1
Video
Writer
2018
Nick Pope: The Man Who Left the MOD (2006)
Nick Pope: The Man Who Left the MOD
4.4
Writer
2006
Actor
Nub TV (2022)
Nub TV
7.4
TV Series
Guest
2022
1 episode
Contacto Extraterrestre (2013)
Contacto Extraterrestre
8.4
TV Mini Series
2013
1 episode
Producer
After Contact (2023)
After Contact
TV Series
created by
2023
Thanks
Secret Access: UFOs on the Record (2011)
Secret Access: UFOs on the Record
7.3
TV Movie
special thanks
2011
I Know What I Saw (2009)
I Know What I Saw
7.1
TV Movie
special thanks
2009
UFO Hunters (2008)
UFO Hunters
6.4
TV Series
special thanks
2008
1 episode
UFO Files (2004)
UFO Files
6.9
TV Series
special thanks
2006
1 episode
Self
The Science of UFOs
Self
Completed
2025
The Royal UFO Files
Self
Completed
2025
Haunted Skies
Self
Completed
2025
ET Drone Home the Truth About UFOs and Advanced Physics
Self
Completed
2025
Angels, Demons & UFOS
Self
Completed
2025
Aliens from the Abyss: The Dark Side of the UFO Phenomenon
Self
CompletedVideo
2025
Accidental Truth: Next - Beyond UFO Disclosure
Self
2026
The Unhinged Podcast
Self (rumored)
FilmingPodcast Series
Ancient Aliens (2009)
Ancient Aliens
7.0
TV Series
Self - U.K. Ministry of Defence: 1985-2006Self - British
Ministry of Defence: 1985-2006Self - Author, Open Skies, Closed Minds
2010–2026
95 episodes
Laurence Fishburne in History's Greatest Mysteries (2020)
History's Greatest Mysteries
7.0
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defense (Ret.)Self - UK Ministry of
Defense, RetiredSelf - Retired UK Ministry of Defense
2024–2026
4 episodes
The Unbelievable with Dan Aykroyd (2023)
The Unbelievable with Dan Aykroyd
7.2
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defence, Ret.
2025–2026
9 episodes
Josh Gates in Expedition Files (2024)
Expedition Files
7.3
TV Series
Self - U.K. Ministry of Defence, Ret.
2025
1 episode
The Fifth Witness (2025)
The Fifth Witness
Self
2025
The Know - UFOXPO (2023)
The Know - UFOXPO
Podcast Series
Self
2025
1 episode
The Alien Perspective (2025)
The Alien Perspective
5.4
Self - Former British Ministry of Defense
2025
Apocalypse Covid (2024)
Apocalypse Covid
Video
Self
2024
The Program (2024)
The Program
7.1
Self - Ministry of Defence, UK (Ret.)
2024
Ancient Aliens: Origins (2024)
Ancient Aliens: Origins
5.9
TV Series
Self - Author, Ufologist & PresenterSelf - UK Ministry
Of Defence, 1985-2006
2024
2 episodes
The King of UFOs (2024)
The King of UFOs
6.6
Self
2024
The UnXplained: Mysteries of the Universe (2024)
The UnXplained: Mysteries of the Universe
7.5
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defence: 1985-2006
2024
2 episodes
Alien Experiencers (2024)
Alien Experiencers
7.0
Self - Commentator
2024
Aliens Within: The Inner Journey (2024)
Aliens Within: The Inner Journey
Video
Self
2024
Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Inside the Military Zone (2024)
Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Inside the Military Zone
Video
Self
2024
After Contact (2023)
After Contact
TV Series
Self - Host
2023
Alien Files: Reopened (2023)
Alien Files: Reopened
6.4
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defence, Retired
2023
3 episodes
William Shatner in The UnXplained (2019)
The UnXplained
7.3
TV Series
Self - U.K. Ministry of Defence: 1985-2006
2020–2023
9 episodes
God Versus UFOs (2023)
God Versus UFOs
Self
2023
Top Secret Files: Declassified (2023)
Top Secret Files: Declassified
8.2
TV Series
Self
2023
God Versus Aliens (2023)
God Versus Aliens
8.0
Self
2023
Piers Morgan in Piers Morgan Uncensored (2022)
Piers Morgan Uncensored
4.1
TV Series
Self
2023
1 episode
Fox News @ Night (2017)
Fox News @ Night
4.0
TV Series
Self - UFO Expert
2023
1 episode
Wake Up America Weekend (2021)
Wake Up America Weekend
4.1
TV Series
Self - Ran the UK Government's UFO Project
2023
1 episode
FOX News Tonight (2017)
FOX News Tonight
2.8
TV Series
Self
2023
1 episode
Alien Agenda: Planet Earth: The Cosmic Conspiracy (2023)
Alien Agenda: Planet Earth: The Cosmic Conspiracy
7.0
Video
Self
2023
Accidental Truth: UFO Revelations (2023)
Accidental Truth: UFO Revelations
6.2
Self
2023
God Vs Aliens
Short
Self
2023
Jenn Pellegrino in Prime News (2021)
Prime News
4.8
TV Series
Self - Fmr. British Government UFO Investigator
2023
1 episode
Tucker Carlson in The Tucker Carlson Show (2016)
The Tucker Carlson Show
4.5
TV Series
Self - Former U.K. OfficialSelf - Ran the U.K. Govt's UFO
ProjectSelf - UFO Expert ...
2019–2023
11 episodes
Nub TV (2022)
Nub TV
7.4
TV Series
Self
2022
1 episode
Ancient Aliens: Special Presentation (2022)
Ancient Aliens: Special Presentation
6.6
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry Of Defence 1985-2006e
2022
3 episodes
Dan Bongino in Unfiltered with Dan Bongino (2021)
Unfiltered with Dan Bongino
5.4
TV Series
Self - UFO Researcher
2022
1 episode
Steven Greenstreet and Nick Pope in The Basement Office
(2019)
The Basement Office
8.0
TV Series
Self
2019–2022
13 episodes
Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies (2022)
Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies
4.9
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry Of Defence (Retired)
2022
10 episodes
Why Do You Want to Believe (2022)
Why Do You Want to Believe
7.4
Self
2022
Extraordinary: The Revelations (2021)
Extraordinary: The Revelations
5.5
Self
2021
Georgina Verbaan in Ben ik hier alleen? (2021)
Ben ik hier alleen?
TV Mini Series
Self
2021
1 episode
Mark Dolan in Tonight LIVE with Mark Dolan (2021)
Tonight LIVE with Mark Dolan
5.8
TV Series
Self
2021
1 episode
America's Book of Secrets (2012)
America's Book of Secrets
6.7
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defence, 1985 - 2006
2021
4 episodes
Dan Wootton in Tonight Live with Dan Wootton (2021)
Tonight Live with Dan Wootton
5.6
TV Series
Self
2021
1 episode
Sky News Tonight (2014)
Sky News Tonight
3.0
TV Series
Self - Former UFO Investigator, Ministry of Defence
2021
1 episode
Steve Doocy, Brian Kilmeade, Ainsley Earhardt, and Lawrence
Jones in Fox and Friends (1998)
Fox and Friends
3.0
TV Series
Self - UFO Expert
2021
1 episode
Aliens vs. Bigfoot (2021)
Aliens vs. Bigfoot
5.1
Self
2021
Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified (2021)
Top Secret UFO Projects: Declassified
5.6
TV Series
Self - UFO ExpertSelf - UK Ministry of Defence (Retired)
& UFO Expert
2021
4 episodes
UK UFO Disclosure (2020)
UK UFO Disclosure
Short
Self
2020
All Things Unexplained (2020)
All Things Unexplained
Podcast Series
Self
2020
I Want to Believe (2020)
I Want to Believe
6.4
Self
2020
The Bigfoot Alien Connection Revealed (2020)
The Bigfoot Alien Connection Revealed
5.1
Self - Nick Pope
2020
Cybela Clare and Baby Rainbow in Bird's Eye View - An ET's
Solution for Humanity (2020)
Bird's Eye View - An ET's Solution for Humanity
8.4
Self
2020
American Mystery (2019)
American Mystery
5.6
TV Series
Self - AuthorSelf - Former British MOD Official
2019
5 episodes
UFOs: The Lost Evidence (2017)
UFOs: The Lost Evidence
6.9
TV Series
Self
2017–2019
15 episodes
Indistinguishable from Magic (2019)
Indistinguishable from Magic
5.5
Video
Self
2019
Chris Moyles, Pippa Taylor, Matt Parkes-Smith, James
Robinson, and Dominic Byrne in The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X (2015)
The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X
7.4
Podcast Series
Self
2019
1 episode
Aliens at the Pentagon (2018)
Aliens at the Pentagon
5.1
Video
Self
2018
ETs Among Us 2: Our Alien Origins, Antarctica, Mars and
Beyond (2018)
ETs Among Us 2: Our Alien Origins, Antarctica, Mars and
Beyond
6.4
Self
2018
ETs Among Us 3: Secret Space Program, Alien Psychics &
Crop Circle Clues (2018)
ETs Among Us 3: Secret Space Program, Alien Psychics &
Crop Circle Clues
6.9
Self
2018
NASA's Unexplained Files (2012)
NASA's Unexplained Files
6.4
TV Series
Self - Defense AnalystSelf - Military Analyst
2014–2018
30 episodes
UFOs: Uncovering the Truth (2017)
UFOs: Uncovering the Truth
7.2
TV Series
Self
2017
Realidade Fantástica
TV Series
Self - Interviewed
2017
1 episode
Josh Gates in Expedition Unknown (2015)
Expedition Unknown
8.2
TV Series
Self - Journalist
2017
1 episode
Expedition Unknown: Hunt for ExtraTerrestrials (2017)
Expedition Unknown: Hunt for ExtraTerrestrials
7.7
TV Mini Series
Self - Journalist
2017
1 episode
Beyond Belief with George Noory (2010)
Beyond Belief with George Noory
7.1
TV Series
Self - Interviewed
2017
1 episode
World War Weird (2017)
World War Weird
7.1
TV Series
Self - Former Analyst, Ministry of Defence
2017
2 episodes
History's Greatest Hoaxes (2016)
History's Greatest Hoaxes
5.9
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defense
2016
2 episodes
World War A: Aliens Invade Earth (2016)
World War A: Aliens Invade Earth
4.8
TV Movie
Self
2016
Calling Occupants (2016)
Calling Occupants
Self
2016
ETs Among Us: UFO Witnesses and Whistleblowers (2016)
ETs Among Us: UFO Witnesses and Whistleblowers
6.4
Self
2016
What on Earth? (2015)
What on Earth?
5.8
TV Series
Self - Military AnalystSelf - Defense Analyst
2015–2016
9 episodes
L'émission d'Antoine (2015)
L'émission d'Antoine
7.5
TV Series
Self
2016
1 episode
Unsealed: Alien Files (2012)
Unsealed: Alien Files
6.4
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defense
2014–2015
31 episodes
Conspiracy (2015)
Conspiracy
6.2
TV Series
Self - Ex MoD UFO Desk
2015
1 episode
The Drew Carson Show (2015)
The Drew Carson Show
Podcast Series
Self - Guest
2015
Close Encounters (2014)
Close Encounters
6.8
TV Series
Self - Interviewed
2015
1 episode
UFOs Declassified (2015)
UFOs Declassified
6.6
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defence, Retired
2015
4 episodes
NUFOA (National UFO Association) (2014)
NUFOA (National UFO Association)
TV Series
Self
2014
The Unexplained Files (2013)
The Unexplained Files
7.1
TV Series
Self - Ex British Ministry Of DefenceSelf - Ex-Government
UFO Analyst
2014
2 episodes
Codes and Conspiracies (2014)
Codes and Conspiracies
6.5
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defence: Ret.
2014
1 episode
Portal to the Unknown (2013)
Portal to the Unknown
5.5
TV Series
Self - Author, The Uninvited & Dark Sky
2013
1 episode
Unsealed: Conspiracy Files (2012)
Unsealed: Conspiracy Files
6.0
TV Series
Self - British Ministry of Defense
2013
1 episode
Shaun Ryder on UFOs (2013)
Shaun Ryder on UFOs
6.1
TV Series
Self - Ministry of Defense UFO Project, 1991-1994
2013
1 episode
The Hidden Hand: Alien Contact and the Government Cover-Up
(2013)
The Hidden Hand: Alien Contact and the Government Cover-Up
4.9
Self - Former Head of the British Government's UFO Project
2013
Confessions of an Alien Abductee (2013)
Confessions of an Alien Abductee
4.7
TV Movie
Self - Interviewed
2013
UFO Europe: The Untold Stories (2012)
UFO Europe: The Untold Stories
6.4
TV Series
Self - MoD UFO Project, 1991 - 1994
2012–2013
6 episodes
Ancient Evil Unbound (2011)
Ancient Evil Unbound
4.5
Self - UFO Expert
2011
Secret Access: UFOs on the Record (2011)
Secret Access: UFOs on the Record
7.3
TV Movie
Self - UK Ministry of Defense, 1985-2006
2011
When Aliens Attack (2011)
When Aliens Attack
5.8
TV Movie
Self - U.K. Ministry of Defense
2011
Secret Societies and Sacred Stones: From Mecca to Megaliths
(2011)
Secret Societies and Sacred Stones: From Mecca to Megaliths
3.0
Video
Self
2011
UFO UK: New Evidence (2011)
UFO UK: New Evidence
5.0
TV Movie
Self - Ministry of Defense, 1985-2006
2011
Breakfast (2000)
Breakfast
5.2
TV Series
Self - Former Government UFO Investigator
2011
1 episode
The Day Before Disclosure (2010)
The Day Before Disclosure
6.8
Self
2010
I Believe in UFOs: Danny Dyer (2010)
I Believe in UFOs: Danny Dyer
7.8
TV Movie
Self
2010
Live from Studio Five (2009)
Live from Studio Five
2.5
TV Series
Self
2009
1 episode
I Know What I Saw (2009)
I Know What I Saw
7.1
TV Movie
Self - Ministry of Defence, UK, Ret.
2009
Ancient Code: Are You Ready for the Real 2012? (2009)
Ancient Code: Are You Ready for the Real 2012?
6.5
Self
2009
Watching the Skies: In Search of Extraterrestrial Life
Video
Self - Ministry of Defense (1985-2006) representative
2009
Lies and Deception: UFO's and the Secret Agenda (2009)
Lies and Deception: UFO's and the Secret Agenda
3.9
Self - Interviewee
2009
UFO Hunters (2008)
UFO Hunters
6.4
TV Series
Self - UK Ministry of Defence (Ret.)
2008–2009
2 episodes
Bird's Eye View (2009)
Bird's Eye View
7.3
Self
2009
Archetype of the UFO (2008)
Archetype of the UFO
5.6
Video
Self
2008
On the Edge
3.2
TV Series
Self - Special Guest
2008
1 episode
Britain's Closest Encounters (2008)
Britain's Closest Encounters
6.7
TV Series
Self
2008
3 episodes
Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Sightings (2007)
Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Sightings
5.6
Video
Self
2007
Anna Drouza in Boro (2004)
Boro
3.5
TV Series
Self - Guest
2007
2 episodes
Dossiers mystère (2006)
Dossiers mystère
6.4
TV Series
Self
2006
1 episode
My Science Fiction Life
TV Movie
Self
2006
Eamonn Investigates: The Alien Autopsy
6.7
TV Movie
Self - Head of UFO Project, Ministry of Defence, 1991-94
2006
Nick Pope: The Man Who Left the MOD (2006)
Nick Pope: The Man Who Left the MOD
4.4
Self
2006
The World's Strangest UFO Stories (2005)
The World's Strangest UFO Stories
6.0
TV Series
Self - Ministry of Defence, 1991-1994
2005
1 episode
UFO Files (2004)
UFO Files
6.9
TV Series
Self - U.K. Ministry of DefenceSelf - AuthorSelf - Higher
Exec. Officer, Ministry of Defense ...
2004–2005
3 episodes
The Real 4400
TV Movie
Self
2005
Shameful Secrets of the 70s
TV Movie
Self - Former M.O.D. UFO Researcher
2005
Enquête sur les OVNIs (2004)
Enquête sur les OVNIs
6.6
TV Series
Self
2004
5 episodes
The British UFO Files (2004)
The British UFO Files
6.5
TV Movie
Self - Ministry of Defence UFO Desk 91-94
2004
Timewatch (1982)
Timewatch
7.7
TV Series
Self - Former MoD UFO Desk Officer
2004
1 episode
UFO Invasion at Rendlesham
7.2
TV Movie
Self - Ministry of Defence UFO Desk, 1991-1994
2003
Out of the Blue (2003)
Out of the Blue
7.4
TV Movie
Self - Former UFO Investigator, Ministry of Defence, UK
2003
Britain's Closest Encounter
TV Movie
Self - UFO Desk, 1991-1994
2003
UFOs: Then and Now? (2000)
UFOs: Then and Now?
8.0
TV Movie
Self - Author
2000
History's Mysteries (1998)
History's Mysteries
7.9
TV Series
Self
2000
1 episode
Cat Deeley, Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, and Ben Shephard
in This Morning (1988)
This Morning
4.3
TV Series
Self
1999
1 episode
Beyond the Truth
7.4
TV Series
Self - Ministry of Defence (UK) UFO Desk Officer, 1991-1994
1998
1 episode
The Uninvited - Alien Abductions (1998)
The Uninvited - Alien Abductions
TV Special
Self - Writer
1998
Weird: Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction (1997)
Weird: Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction
Video Game
Self - Former Government UFO Investigator
1997
Michael Aspel in Strange But True? (1993)
Strange But True?
7.9
TV Series
Self
1997
2 episodes
The Aliens are coming! (1997)
The Aliens are coming!
TV Special
Self
1997
Sightings (1991)
Sightings
8.3
TV Series
Self - Former UFO Desk Officer, MOD
1996–1997
2 episodes
Dreamland: Area 51 (1996)
Dreamland: Area 51
6.5
TV Movie
Self - Ministry of Defence
1996
Out of This World (1994)
Out of This World
6.6
TV Series
Self - Former UFO Desk Officer, MOD
1996
1 episode
Secrets of the Paranormal (1996)
Secrets of the Paranormal
TV Series
Self (as Nicholas Pope)
1996
1 episode
The Unexplained (1996)
The Unexplained
8.1
TV Series
Self - Fmr. UFO Investigator
1996
1 episode
Network First (1994)
Network First
7.1
TV Series
Self - Ministry of Defence
1995
1 episode
Catastrophic Disclosure
Catastrophic Disclosure
Self
Archive Footage
Alien Paradox: Legacy of the UFO (2023)
Alien Paradox: Legacy of the UFO
6.4
Video
Self - () (archive footage)
2023
Jose Escamilla in UFO: The Greatest Story Ever Denied (2006)
UFO: The Greatest Story Ever Denied
6.7
Video
Self (archive footage)
2006