Entertainer Joe Longthorne MBE passes away aged 64.

By James Warren • Published: 03 Aug 2019 • 19:26 • <1 minute read

Hull born singer and impressionist Joe Longthorne MBE has passed away peacefully at his Blackpool home.

A statement from his website read, “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.”

Joe was a popular entertainer with a career spanning over 30 years.

He was currently performing around the UK and Spain and recently performed in Benidorm with his band as part of his anniversary tour.

He first came into the public eye in 1981 on ITV’s Search for a Star before going on to present his own television program, ‘The Joe Longthorne Show’

Since then he would go onto to perform around the world to sell out audiences. His albums went gold and platinum and sang at the Royal Variety Show on several occasions.

His career however was blighted by illness. In 1989 he was diagnosed with the blood disease lymphoma. He would fight this until a bone marrow transplant in 2006 nearly killed him.

In 2012 he was awarded an MBE for his charitable work and went on to perform to sold out shows around the country.