Former The Voice UK contestant Dean Franklin has tragically passed away at the age of 36, just weeks after revealing he had been diagnosed with advanced oesophageal cancer.
The London-born singer, who appeared on the ITV talent competition in 2016 as part of Paloma Faith’s team, died on Sunday evening. His death came only eight weeks after doctors confirmed he had stage four cancer.
Dean had recently told fans he was beginning chemotherapy treatment. While the treatment was not expected to cure the illness, he explained it would give him more time and open up potential options. Throughout his health battle, he remained open on social media, sharing updates about his condition and expressing gratitude for the support he received.
His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional Facebook statement, describing how bravely he fought during his final weeks. They shared that he passed away at 9:39pm, surrounded by loved ones.
“As a family we are truly heartbroken to announce that our precious boy who fought so courageously over 8 weeks and 3 days passed over at 21.39pm last night,” the message read. “He was surrounded by love.”
The family added that they would share more details when they felt able to do so, thanking fans for the overwhelming love and support shown to Dean during his illness.
During his time on The Voice UK, Dean became known for his powerful vocals and emotional performances. Following news of his diagnosis, messages of support poured in from fellow musicians and television personalities, including his former mentor Paloma Faith and presenter Emma Willis.
In one particularly emotional post shared during his treatment, Dean paid tribute to his mother, Marie, posting a photograph of them together and thanking her for standing by his side through the most difficult weeks of his life. He wrote that he could not have faced the journey without her strength and support.
Last month, Dean launched a GoFundMe campaign to help ease the financial strain on his family while he underwent treatment. In the appeal, he described himself as “a musician, a dad” and explained that although chemotherapy was not curative, it offered hope and more time.
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He said his focus remained on managing pain, continuing treatment and cherishing time with his family, especially his daughter. Dean explained the fundraising efforts were intended to help cover living costs, reduce financial pressure on his loved ones and provide security for his child.
“This is not about giving up,” he wrote. “It is about giving me peace of mind.”
Dean Franklin’s passing has left fans and the entertainment community devastated. He will be remembered not only for his musical talent but also for the courage and openness he showed during his final weeks.
Details of his diagnosis and final weeks were shared in coverage published by Daily Star.
