Britain's Got Talent star dies aged 51 from secret cancer battle as tributes pour in
Britain's Got Talent star Will Read died aged 51 at his home after a battle with cancer.
The Chesire-based performer entertained ITV viewers in 2011 as part of the comedy act, The Showbears.
The group famously stole the show in metallic sailor outfits and even had former judge David Walliams join them on stage as a special guest.
The singer's obituary notice reads: "Will aged 51 years of Macclesfield, peacefully passed away on Wednesday 7th August 2024.
"Dearly loved son of Kate, much loved brother of Tom, cherished brother in law of Marianne and fabulous uncle of Jimmy and Liam.
"Will was an accomplished musician excelling in percussion, drum and vocals.
"He toured with Gloria Estefan and crusied the world as a musical director in his sucessful career.
"He will be greatly missed by all his family, many friends and colleagues."
Read more: BBC snubs David Walliams after his X-rated comments on Britain’s Got Talent
Britain's Got Talent's David Walliams and the Showbears (Image: ITV)Following the Britian's Got Talent appearance, he joined Gloria Estefan’s band on her 2013 European tour, travelling to countries including Belgium and Switzerland.
Tributes have poured in for Will as one friend took to Facebook and penned: "Sleep peacefully Will, what a beautiful soul you were."
Another loved one added: "Such a great friend and a loveable character. You will be missed. Rest easy my friend."
One of Will's most unforgettable moments took place on stage with David Walliams back in 2012.
During the live TV performance, David's face lit up when the five-piece group appeared in sparkly sailor suits and launched into a lively, camp rendition of It's Raining Men by The Weather Girls—only they hilariously switched the lyrics to "We're Sailor Men."
The entire performance became a spectacle that captivated the audience.
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Eager to join in the fun, David playfully told the group: "I just want to join and sing that song with you. You have to get me an outfit."
Though he initially pretended to be reluctant, David quickly ran up to the stage, shouting excitedly: "I may be too camp and send it over the edge!"
As the song played for the second time, David, fully immersed in the moment and shouted, "You’d better listen!" before effortlessly slipping into the dance routine.
After the performance, David admitted, "I was in heaven," while Amanda joked that the "Royal Family would adore that."
The hilarious performance sparked a flurry of red buzzers from judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon Cowell.
window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240820.min.js"Britain's Got Talent star dies aged 51 from secret cancer battle as tributes pour in
Britain's Got Talent star dies aged 51 from secret cancer battle as tributes pour in
Britain's Got Talent star dies aged 51 from secret cancer battle as tributes pour in
Britain's Got Talent star dies aged 51 from secret cancer battle as tributes pour in
Britain's Got Talent star dies aged 51 from secret cancer battle as tributes pour in
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