Britain’s Got Talent star Allan Finnegan dies aged 59 after four-year battle

Allan Finnegan, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020, has died aged 59 after a four-year battle with cancer

Britain’s Got Talent star Allan Finnegan has died at the age of 59. The much-loved Baptist minister, who won over the nation with his hilarious stand-up comedy routine on the 2020 series of the ITV smash-hit, died on Friday (June 19) following a courageous four-year battle with eye and liver cancer.

His heartbroken family shared the devastating news over the weekend, revealing that the comedy priest passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

In an emotional statement, his loved ones paid tribute to the late star, describing him as an “amazing, caring and funny” man. Alongside a photo of him with his family in the garden, they said: “We have the most precious memories as a family and will love and miss him so much.”

The family also shared that they played Finnegan’s favourite music, including Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here, as he passed away, reports the Mirror.

They expressed gratitude to fans for their support, which they said gave them more time with Finnegan.

The family wrote: “We would like to thank each and everyone of you for your support, love and amazing generosity during Allan’s battle.

“We are eternally grateful to you all, as this gave Allan precious extra time to spend with his family and new grandson.”

Finnegan was first diagnosed with a rare eye cancer known as ocular melanoma in 2022 after experiencing flashes of light in his vision. He was informed by a doctor that he had tumours in both eyes.

According to Ocular Melanoma UK, only 750 people are diagnosed with the disease each year in the UK.

Symptoms can include blurred vision and flashes of light, but it can also be asymptomatic, emphasising the importance of regular eye tests.

Finnegan’s tumours were surgically removed, but he subsequently learnt that the cancer had spread to his liver, rendering it inoperable. In 2024, he received a prognosis of 12 months to live, yet remarkably survived until 2026.

Back in 2020, Finnegan gained recognition by appearing on Britain’s Got Talent. Donning his clerical collar, the vicar delivered gags about life working within the church.

His performance won over judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams, securing his place in the semi-finals, though he unfortunately failed to garner sufficient votes to advance to the final round.

After receiving his cancer diagnosis, Finnegan published a book entitled I Didn’t Ask For Any Of This: Church, Comedy and Cancer.

The publication documented his journey from entering the clergy to appearing on BGT, alongside his cancer diagnoses.

Upon the book’s release, he wrote: “First and foremost I’m a husband, dad, grandad and Liverpool fan. Not just the football club but the city as well. It’s a great, friendly place to live.

“I’m not really sure I can call myself an author because this will most probably be my only publication. I’ve had a varied career, from building sites to Baptist minister. Stand-up comedian and somehow starred on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. I am hoping this book will be my legacy.”