Allan Finnegan, the Baptist minister who charmed Britain's Got Talent audiences with his stand-up comedy in 2020, has died at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer that lasted nearly five years.
The comedian from Bootle passed away on Friday evening, with his family confirming the news in an emotional Instagram post shared on Father's Day.
Mr Finnegan reached the semi-finals of the ITV talent competition, where he won praise from judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden.
Ms Dixon described him as a "breath of fresh air" during his time on the show, while Holden remarked that his performance made her "want to go to church."
Allan Finnegan shot to fame on Britain's Got Talent
|ITV
His wife Joyce and daughters Rachael and Beckie remained at his bedside as he took his final breath at 9:10pm on Friday, June 19.
The family revealed that they played his favourite music during those precious last moments, including Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here.
In their statement, they shared: "As his favourite song, Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here' started playing, Allan opened his eyes and peacefully took his last breath."
They described the moment as "incredibly heartbreaking" yet also "very precious and beautiful" for the family.
The announcement confirmed that Mr Finnegan "went home to be with his Lord and Saviour" after fighting the disease with remarkable determination.
Fellow comedians rushed to share their condolences in response to the family's statement. Liverpudlian comic Tony Carroll replied with a series of love-heart emojis.
Meanwhile, comedian Paul Smith echoed: "Awful news. So sorry for your loss he was an amazing guy. Love to you all."
Stand-up Simon Wozniak typed: "Rest easy, Allan. A beautiful human. It was an honour to call you a friend. Love and condolences to all the family."
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Allan Finnegan impressed with his stand-up routine
|ITV
While fellow comedy performer Phil Ellis weighed in: "So sorry to hear the heartbreaking news. He was a wonderful, funny man and a true inspiration. Lots of love to you all. X." (sic)
Mr Finnegan first noticed problems with his vision in 2022, experiencing flashes of light that prompted a referral to St Paul's Eye Hospital in Liverpool.
Medical examinations revealed tumours in both eyes, with one diagnosed as ocular melanoma - an exceptionally rare cancer affecting approximately 750 to 850 people annually in the UK.
Although surgeons successfully removed the growths, the disease later spread to his liver, where it proved inoperable.
In December 2023, doctors delivered the devastating news that his condition was terminal, giving him just twelve months to live.
However, a GoFundMe campaign enabled the father of two to access innovative treatments that extended his life well beyond medical expectations.
The fundraising efforts allowed him additional time with his family, including the opportunity to meet his new grandson, Albie.
Beyond his television appearance, Mr Finnegan served as minister at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bootle while performing comedy at venues across the country since 2012.
Allan Finnegan starred on the ITV show in 2020
|ITV
Following his diagnosis, he penned a memoir titled I Didn't Ask For Any of This: Church, Comedy and Cancer, documenting his journey from building sites to the pulpit and eventually the BGT stage.
In his book's author biography, he wrote: "I am hoping this book will be my legacy."
Speaking about his terminal diagnosis in 2025, Mr Finnegan told the Liverpool Echo: "I'm on borrowed time, aren't I? Or extra time, Fergie time was what they used to call it."
His family thanked supporters whose generosity "gave Allan precious extra time to spend with his family and new grandson."