SAD NEWS: Britain’s Got Talent star Dave Betton Tragically 𝘋𝘪𝘦𝘴 in Simon Cowell’s Heartbreaking TRIBUTE Announcement

A vocalist who received a heartfelt tribute from Simon Cowell during his Britain’s Got Talent performance has passed away, aged 82. Dave Betton, who spent his final days in sheltered accommodation in Lytham, sadly passed away last month from sepsis, surrounded by his loved ones. His funeral will be held at Carleton Crematorium on Monday, October 27.

Dave took to the stage in 2020 alongside his son Dean, despite having stepped back from singing a decade earlier. The pair progressed to the subsequent stages of the contest after wowing the panel and earning a standing ovation for their touching rendition of the timeless ‘That’s Life’.

Amanda Holden lauded them, declaring they “smashed it”, whilst Simon Cowell remarked about their performance: “There are certain days I think what I need is a mug of Hot Chocolate – and you were that mug of Hot Chocolate! You made me feel good, I needed that!” Dave launched his professional journey as a teenager, mastering the Rat Pack catalogue of Frank Sinatra and other celebrated crooners, whilst also showcasing his adaptability in tackling diverse material, reports the Daily Star.

In 1981, he moved from his native Chesterfield to Blackpool with his spouse Josie, who acquired the Dorchester Hotel On Queens Promenade.

Dave subsequently embarked on a professional path as a club entertainer.

He swiftly established his reputation within the local circuit and became a sought-after performer, appearing at venues along the coastline during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Dave also enjoyed the opportunity to tour in Australia and South Africa, realising a lifelong ambition with a short engagement in the dazzling Las Vegas. The microphone was retired by him 15 years ago when his beloved Josie passed away.

Five years ago, he decided it was time to give Britain’s Got Talent a go, appearing as the duo Dave and Dean.

Dean, 54, from Cleveleys, revealed: “I always looked up to Dad and he inspired me to take up singing, quite late in the game. He was definitely a local legend in his time – he would pack out the clubs.

“I wanted him to experience a big live TV audience, even though he’d retired, and when we got such a huge response on Britain’s Got Talent, I was over the moon. I felt so proud of him, he knocked them out.

“The tributes he has received this last week on my post about his d3ath on Facebook has been phenomenal with over 400 messages.”

One of Dean’s sons is also venturing into the music industry, marking the third generation of performers in the family.

He leaves behind two sons, Dean and Darren, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and a step-great-granddaughter.