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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

Adam, Ryan and Scott Thomas pay moving tribute to their dad on Father's Day with a musical performance

The Thomas brothers have paid a heart-warming tribute to their dad Dougie James on their first Father's Day since the Manchester music star passed away.

Adam, Ryan and Scott Thomas teamed up for a performance in memory of Dougie James who died in November, aged 72.

The trio showcased their own singing voices as they teamed up for Dougie, the much-loved Manchester music promoter and lead singer of the 1970s band Dougie James and the Soul Train.

"This ones for you Father," wrote former Emmerdale actor Adam as he shared a video of their performance on his Instagram.

Twins Scott and Adam kicked off the performance (Adam Thomas Instagram)

The siblings belted out Drift Away (Give Me The Beat Boys) together and there was a surprise as they were joined by Adam's six-year-old son Teddy.

"Happy Father’s Day Dad!! I know you were with us this day dad watching with a big smile on your face," said Adam in tribute to Wythenshawe-raised Dougie, who opened for Michael Jackson with The Jackson 5 at the Manchester Apollo in 1979.

"This ones for you dad and for anyone who has lost a dad, a mum or any family member for that matter, our love goes to you guys today!

Then they were joined by Ryan (Adam Thomas Instagram)

"We hope this puts a smile on your face too.

"We learnt so much from you father… just wish singing was one of them.

"Love the three dougettes @ryanthomas84 @scott.thomas."

Adam, the co-owner of The Spinn restaurant in Gatley, then shared the words he wrote for his dad at his funeral with his 978,000 followers.

Teddy also made a special appearance (Adam Thomas Instagram)

"To see my dads face again ... to see him walking down the street, with his hands clutched behind his back, and his head down low and sometimes a dog in tow.

"My dad was very much a closed book, he was a hard man to read, but every chapter of his life was a story to tell.

"From his days with the Jackson 5 to when he invited me and the boys to see him and James brown live ..."

Scott, Ryan and Adam Thomas with dad Dougie (ITV)

He added: "I’ll always cherish those moments at @thespinn_ with him ...he would be sat with a glass of Southern Comfort, one cube of ice not two, and we’d talk about the old days and I’d tell him how much I loved him, and how he loved me too ...

"I’d always ask him about the times when he wasn’t there, but I could never get any answers he just sit and stare.

"But that was my dad and I wouldn’t have it any other way...he was always my sunshine on a cloudy day.

"What I can’t comprehend is the fact that I’ll be gone one day, and my kids will feel the pain and sorrow that am feeling today ... so this is a message to them which am sure my dad would agree…

"Don’t worry about me...live and love your life, be happy and free x"

Adam's followers were deeply moved by the tribute.

Dougie James and the Soul Train (Dougie, Red Hoffman, Barry James, Mister Bo, Hon Neil Shaw-Hulme, Rev Michael Smith, Dennis T Mennis) (MEN)

Former Dancing On Ice winner Jake Quickenden said: "Much love lads! He will be looking down."

His former Emmerdale co-star Isabel Hodgins who plays Victoria Sugden commented: "Sobbing!!"

And another follower said: "That made me cry!!! You boys are such a credit to your parents.... your Dad will have been with you and beaming with pride.

"Absolutely beautiful and such good voices!!!

"The first one is always the hardest.lads .... Big hugs xxx"

Last year Adam, his twin Scott, who was a contestant on Love Island, and Ryan, who played Jason Grimshaw in Coronation Street, starred in a documentary series with their dad where they went on a journey to India to explore their heritage.

Tributes poured in when his death was announced on November 28.

Dougie also worked with other music greats: James Brown, Frank Sinatra, Edwin Starr, Bill Haley And The Comets, Stevie Wonder and Billy Fury.

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