The family of Allan Finnegan revealed the sad news on Father’s Day
Carrington Walker, Kirstie McCrum and Jamie Greer Under-35s writer
19:01, 21 Jun 2026
Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Allan Finnegan has died(Image: Allan Finnegan)
A Britain’s Got Talent star who reached the semi-finals of the beloved show with his comedy routine has passed away.
Allan Finnegan appeared on the programme in 2020, making it through to the semi-finals after winning over millions with his stand-up performances, reports Lancs Live.
Alongside his flourishing comedy career, Allan, from Bootle, served as a minister at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bootle. Having performed comedy since 2012, he received glowing praise from all four judges on the ITV show, with Alesha Dixon describing him as a ‘breath of fresh air’, while Amanda Holden declared he made her ‘want to go to church’.
Allan Finnegan appeared on the programme in 2020(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Sharing the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Father’s Day, Allan’s family announced the death of the 59-year-old: “It is with great sadness that our family share the devastating news that our amazing, caring, funny, Husband, Dad, Grandad, Son, Father-in-law, Church Minister, and Comedian, Allan, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour at 9:10pm on Friday 19th June 2026. He bravely fought so hard to battle cancer for almost 5 years.
“We have the most precious memories as a family and will love and miss him so much. Joyce, Rachael and Beckie were with him in his final moments, playing some of his favourite music and 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. Joyce, Rachael, Beckie, Danny, Josh, Albie and Linda give thanks for Allan’s incredible life and faithful witness.
“We would like to to thank each and everyone of you for your support, love and amazing generosity during Allan’s battle. We are eternally grateful to you all, as this gave Allan precious extra time to spend with his family and new grandson, Albie. Be blessed.”
Allan Finnegan who has died was remembered by his loving family as an ‘amazing, caring and funny’ man(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Allan’s passing follows a gruelling five-year battle with cancer, throughout which his wonderful sense of humour never faltered. In 2022, Allan noticed ‘flashes’ in his eyes and was referred to St Paul’s Eye Hospital, where tumours were found in both eyes.
He was subsequently diagnosed with ocular melanoma, an exceptionally rare form of cancer. Although the cancer was removed, it later spread to his liver, and in December 2023, Allan received the devastating news that his condition was terminal.
Following his diagnosis, he was given just 12 months to live, reports the Liverpool Echo. However, through a GoFundMe campaign, he was able to access new treatments that enabled him to outlive the timeframe doctors had predicted.
Opening up about his terminal diagnosis in 2025, Allan told the Liverpool Echo: “You can sit and wallow and don’t get me wrong, there have been days when I’ve done that kind of thing, but I’ve been trying to change that mindset so you don’t just go into a spiral. It’s not always easy, but I try to think that every day is a gift from now on.
“I’m on borrowed time, aren’t I? Or extra time, Fergie time was what they used to call it. We’re always going to do things in the future – you say, when I get to this stage in my life I’ll do this etc. I don’t think that way anymore.”
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