The Voice UK star Dean Franklin dies aged 36 ‘surrounded by love’ just 8 weeks after cancer diagnosis
THE Voice UK contestant Dean Franklin has died following a battle with cancer, aged 36.
The star, who appeared on the show in 2016, announced last month he was starting chemo, but just weeks later has passed away.
Sign up for the TV newsletter
Dean Franklin, 36, died following a brief cancer battle
Dean appearing on the ITV hit show The Voice
Franklin was mentored by Paloma FaithCredit: instagram
Franklin’s family said in a Facebook post: “I never wanted to share this news with you all so soon…
“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…
“He was surrounded by love. I have been getting MSG’s from people this morning and wanted as his ma to manifest my son’s courage to share with you all…
“As a family we will post in more length when we are able. Until then please know that the love you gave to our Dean and all of us has meant so very much.”
READ MORE NEWS
SNAKE TRAGEDY
The Voice star dies aged 26 after being bitten by snake in her sleep
‘BRINGING IT HOME’
Michael Buble gives rare glimpse into his home after leaving The Voice
Franklin, from Finsbury Park, North London, had started a GoFundMe page in January to help create financial security for his family, including his daughter.
He said he’d recently been diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer, adding he was starting chemo.
He explained: “While this treatment is not curative, it gives me time and the possibility of further options, and I have chosen to go ahead with it…
“Right now, my focus is on treatment, managing pain, and holding on to the parts of life that matter most to me, especially music and my family…”
Most read in News TV
CHOCCY HORROR
Limitless Win pair win NOTHING after Twix question – did you know the answer?
SUPERSONIC SIGNING?
Oasis’ Liam Gallagher reveals he’s being lined up for Celeb Traitors
Former Bake Off star eyed up by Strictly bosses to replace Claudia
He went on to say, due to his inability to work, he was “facing significant financial pressure” and want to help “ease that burden” so he could focus on his health.
This included: “Planning ahead, including future costs and support for my daughter, who means everything to me.”
Franklin, who was mentored by Paloma Faith during his stint on the music show, performed for the final time in London’s Piccadilly Circus on January 11.
The dad-of-one had spent nearly two decades performing in the capital, but had slowed down after being diagnosed on December 9 last year.
He previously said he’d been going back and forth to the doctors for months with acid reflux, which was affecting his voice.
“The medication didn’t work,” he said. “Then pain started under my ribs – in my liver. That’s when everything changed.”
He was eventually rushed to Homerton Hospital and given emergency tests, which showed he had multiple tumours on his liver, with the pain spreading to his back.
Franklin was told chemo could give him around a year to live, with possible clinical trials depending on further testing.
However, just a few weeks later he sadly passed away.
Among snaps shared of the star in hospital was one showing him holding hands with his family – with his arm having turned yellow from jaundice.
Will.i.am listening to Dean during The Voice
Franklin had been raising money for his daughterCredit: instagram
Holding hands with his loved ones before his deathCredit: Facebook
