Allan Finnegan has died aged 59, with his family paying an emotional tribue on Father’s Day
A Britain’s Got Talent semi‐finalist who balanced life as a Baptist minister with a successful stand‐up career has died aged 59.
Allan Finnegan, from Bootle, rose to national attention during the 2020 series of the ITV show, winning over millions with his gentle humour and warm stage presence. Praised by judges as a “breath of fresh air”, he continued to serve his congregation at Emmanuel Baptist Church while performing comedy across the country, reports Lancs Live.
Confirming the 59-year-old’s passing on Instagram on Father’s Day, Allan’s family stated: “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’s passing follows a five-year struggle with cancer, during which his positive spirit consistently remained evident. In 2022, Allan experienced ‘flashes’ in his vision and was sent to St Paul’s Eye Hospital, where growths were found in both eyes.
Allan received a diagnosis of ocular melanoma, an exceptionally uncommon type of cancer. The malignancy was eliminated, but it later spread to his liver, and in December 2023, Allan learnt that it was incurable.
After his diagnosis, he was informed he had merely 12 months remaining, reports the Liverpool Echo, yet, through a GoFundMe appeal was able to obtain innovative treatments which enabled him to survive longer than medical professionals anticipated. Reflecting on 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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