Joe Longthorne dead: Entertainer dies in husband's arms aged 64
Entertainer Joe Longthorne has died in the arms of his husband at the age of 64.
The singer and impressionist died at his home in Blackpool in the early hours of Saturday.
A message on his official website reads: "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.
"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.
"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."
Tributes have been paid from fellow entertainers including Les Dennis who tweeted: "So very sad to hear that Joe Longthorne has died. Worked with him many times. A supreme talent and a nice man."
So very sad to hear that Joe Longthorne has died. Worked with him many times. A supreme talent and a nice man. Thoughts with his family. RIP pic.twitter.com/jJhUmxmSw3
— Les Dennis (@LesDennis)
Cold Feet actor John Thomson described Longthorne as a "huge talent" and "great entertainer".
RIP Joe Longthorne , huge talent
Great entertainer. Prayers & love for friends & family 🙏🏻xx— John Thomson (@JohnnyThomson2)
Comedy writer Derren Litten, who created the hit show Benidorm, said he had "always been in awe of his amazing talent".
Very sad to hear of the passing of Hull born entertainer Joe Longthorne MBE. From first sneaking into seeing him at The Ferry Boat pub in Hessle when I was a kid to watching him play the @LondonPalladium many times I’ve always been in awe of his amazing talent. RIP pic.twitter.com/23MHsa6Nms
— Derren Litten (@DerrenLitten)
Comedian Tommy Cannon said: "So sad to hear the passing of Joe Longthorne, such a talent with a fabulous voice!"
So sad to hear the passing of Joe Longthorne, such a talent with a fabulous voice! You will be missed, Rest in peace ❤️
— Tommy Cannon (@TheTommyCannon)
Longthorne described the MBE he was awarded in 2012 as "an unexpected honour".
He was given the award for charity work that has seen him raise money for organisations including the Variety Club of Great Britain, Cancer Research UK and DCWC (Development of Children and Women Centre) Nepal.
In a career which spanned decades, Longthorne performed to millions of people around the world and also sung at the Royal Variety Show several times.
He found fame on LWT programme Search For A Star in 1981 and went on to present his own television programme, The Joe Longthorne Show.
After being diagnosed with leukaemia, he received a bone marrow transplant in 2006.