He was also a Baptist minister who appeared on BGT

Stand-up Allan Finnegan, who made the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2020, has died at the age of 59.

The Merseyside comic was also a Baptist minister and appeared on the ITV show wearing a dog collar, prompting judge Amanda Holden to ask if he really was a man of the cloth. ‘For real - you don't wear this for a laugh,’ he replied.

He had been diagnosed with cancer soon after appearing on the programme. 

The family broke the news that he died on Friday in an emotional Father’s Day Instagram post, saying: ‘We have the most precious memories as a family and will love and miss him so much.'

They added that he died with his wife Joyce and daughters Rachael and Beckie at his bedside, reporting that ‘as his favourite song, Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here started playing, Allan opened his eyes and peacefully took his last breath.  It was an incredibly heartbreaking moment, but also a very precious and beautiful one for our family.’

Comedians rushed to pay tribute, with Paul Smith saying it was ‘awful news’, and telling the family: ‘So sorry for your loss, he was an amazing guy. Love to you all.’

Phil Ellis said: ‘He was a wonderful, funny man and a true inspiration’;  Simon Wozniak called him ‘a beautiful human’ and Paul ‘Silky’ White described him as: ‘a genuine asset to the species, and an inspiration.’

Finnegan got four ‘yeses’ from the judges when he appeared on BGT. 

David Walliams said, ‘You were super funny and memorable’, Alesha Dixon called him a ‘breath of fresh air’, Simon Cowell said, ‘The audience love you', and Holden said he made her ‘want to go to church’ .

Earlier this year, Finnegan published a book about his experiences with cancer called I Didn't Ask for Any of This, saying: 'I hope this will be my legacy.'

Published: 22 Jun 2026