Britain’s Got Talent Star Will Read has died at the age of 51 after battling cancer.
Read, who appeared as part of the comedy act The Showbears during the 2012 season of Britain’s Got Talentdied on August 7. His brother and friends were at his side.
The singer and his fellow Showbears made it to the live semi-finals and later appeared again as a guest at the final that year alongside former judge David Walliams.
“Will, aged 51, of Macclesfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday 7 August 2024,” his obituary reads (via Metro).
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“The beloved son of Kate, the much-loved brother of Tom, the cherished brother-in-law of Marianne and the fabulous uncle of Jimmy and Liam.
“Will was an accomplished musician with outstanding skills in percussion, drumming and singing. He toured with Gloria Estefan and traveled the world in his successful career as a musical director.
“He will be greatly missed by his entire family, his many friends and colleagues. A private memorial service has been held for the family and there will also be a ceremony in Will’s honour, time and date to be announced.
“Donations in his memory can be sent to The Christie (Macclesfield) or Macmillan Cancer Support.”
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In September last year, Read informed fans about on facebook. that his cancer had returned and that the tumor was “inoperable and therefore not curable.”
“Knowing that my time is limited no matter what happens, I have requested early retirement so that I can spend as much time as possible with my family and friends,” he wrote.
“I still plan to make the most of the time I have left. Fortunately, I don’t have a big ‘bucket list’ as I have been lucky enough to already achieve many of my life goals and ambitions.
“But don’t worry, I’m sure I can think of a few more jokes to keep you entertained for a few more months…”
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please contact Click here for orientation of Macmillan Cancer Supportor Click here to learn more about Confronting cancer.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Harriet is a freelance news editor specialising in TV and film at Digital Spy.
As a horror enthusiast, she Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing primarily on feminism in the genre.
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed media art. She holds a BA in Fine Art from the University of Kingston, specialising in painting, and an MA in Journalism from Birkbeck University.
