Entertainer Joe Longthorne dies at the age of 64
Entertainer Joe Longthorne has died this morning at the age of 64.
The singer and impressionist, who was from Hull, passed away at his home in Blackpool in the arms of his husband, Jamie Moran, surrounded by family.
A statement on his website said:
The showbiz stalwart, enjoyed five decades in the industry, finding fame on the TV show Search For A Star.
The star was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 1989 which turned into Leukemia and he underwent a bone marrow transplant. In 2014 he had throat cancer but was determined he would continue to perform.
Les Dennis, Paul Chuckle and Paddy McGuinness are amongst many others paying tribute to the entertainer who won an MBE in 2012 for his services to charity.
Paul Chuckle tweeted "Another great entertainer passed."
Paddy McGuinness tweeted that Joe's singing 'blew him away' and described him as a 'talented man'.