British entertainer Joe Longthorne has died at the age of 64.
The singer and impressionist’s family confirmed in a statement that he had died in the early hours of Saturday morning, surrounded by his loved ones.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that the nation’s beloved entertainer Joe Longthorne MBE passed away peacefully in the early hours of today at his cherished home in Blackpool,” they said.
“Joe died in his bedroom, laying in the arms of his devoted husband of 21 years Jamie, with his rosary beads clutched tight to his chest.”
The statement continued: “He leaves behind sister Ann and brother John. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Jamie and all the family at this sad time.”
Joe first found fame in 1981, when he appeared on the TV talent show Search For A Star, eventually going on to appear on shows like Live From The Palladium and Des O’Connor Tonight.
Joe released three albums throughout his career, and penned an autobiography, Sugar In The Morning, which came out in 2015.
In 2012, he was recognised for his charity work, receiving an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list.
Joe has battled cancer multiple times in his life, first being diagnosed with blood cancer in 1987. Two years later, he was treated for chronic lymphatic lymphoma, continuing to perform throughout his illness.
He underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant in 2006, having been diagnosed with leukemia the previous year, revealing in 2014 that he had throat cancer, but was adamant that he would continue to perform for as long as possible.
Joe is survived by his son, Ricky, from his first marriage, as well as his husband and manager, James Moran.
