A popular Britain’s Got Talent contestant who progressed to the semi-finals of the show thanks to his comedy act has died.
Allan Finnegan featured on the hit show in 2020, making it to the semi-finals after performing to millions with his stand-up comedy. Beyond his comedy career, Allan, hailing from Bootle, served as a minister at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bootle, Lancs Live reports.
Performing comedy since 2012, he earned acclaim from all four judges on the ITV show, with Alesha Dixon describing him as a ‘breath of fresh air’, while Amanda Holden remarked he made her ‘want to go to church’.
View 3 ImagesAllan Finnegan who has died was remembered by his loving family as an ‘amazing, caring and funny’ man(Image: INSTAGRAM)
On Father’s Day, Allan’s family announced the 59 year old’s passing via Instagram, stating: “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 cheerful spirit remained undimmed. In 2022, Allan experienced ‘flashes’ in his vision and was sent to St Paul’s Eye Hospital, where growths were found in both eyes.
View 3 ImagesBritain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Allan Finnegan has died(Image: Allan Finnegan)
He received a diagnosis of ocular melanoma, an exceptionally uncommon type of cancer. The disease was surgically removed, but later spread to his liver, and in December 2023, Allan learnt that his condition was incurable.
After receiving his diagnosis, he was informed he had merely 12 months remaining, reports the Liverpool Echo, yet through a GoFundMe appeal he gained access to innovative treatments which extended his life beyond medical expectations. Discussing his terminal diagnosis in 2025, Allan shared with 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.
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“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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