Entertainer Joe Longthorne has died at the age of 64.
The singer and impressionist died in the early hours of Saturday morning at his 'cherished' home in Blackpool.
He was surrounded by his family and passed away peacefully in his husband Jamie Moran's arms.
In a statement, his family said: "It is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that the nation’s beloved entertainer Joe Longthorne MBE passed away peacefully in the early hours of today at his cherished home in Blackpool.
"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."
The showbiz starlet came to fame in 1981 as a singer and impressionist on the TV show Search For A Star.
His success on the show led to appearances at the London Palladium and a month-long season at London's Talk of the Town.
Joe, who grew up in Hull, went on to perform all over the world and sold out shows in Las Vegas.
His famous impersonations include Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Sammy Davis Jr. and Barry Manilow.
The entertainer had previously battled cancer several times throughout his life, including blood cancer in 1987 which ended with a diagnosis of chronic lymphatic lymphoma two years later.
He continued to work through his illness but had to undergo a bone marrow transplant in 2005 when the lymphoma degenerated into leukaemia.
In 2014, he was diagnosed with throat cancer but vowed to continue performing.
In a tribute to Joe, Benidorm writer Derren Litten tweeted: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Hull born entertainer Joe Longthorne MBE.
"From first sneaking into seeing him at The Ferry Boat pub in Hessle when I was a kid to watching him play the @LondonPalladium many times I’ve always been in awe of his amazing talent. RIP."
Friend and darts champion Phil Taylor also tweeted: "I would like to send my sincere condolences to the family of my good buddy Joe Longthorne who sadly has passed away had some great times with him and have great memories. RIP my mate."
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