Allan Finnegan, a Baptist minister who became a stand-up comedian on Britain's Got Talent, has died at the age of 59 after a four-year battle with rare eye and liver cancer. He passed away on Friday, 19 June 2026, surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Family's Heartfelt Tribute
Finnegan's family announced his death over the weekend, describing him as an "amazing, caring and funny" man. In a statement, they said: "We have the most precious memories as a family and will love and miss him so much." They also shared a picture of him in the garden with his family.
The family revealed they played his favourite music as he died, including Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here. They expressed gratitude to fans, saying: "We would like 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."
Cancer Diagnosis and Battle
Finnegan was first diagnosed with ocular melanoma, a rare eye cancer, in 2022 after experiencing flashes of light in his eyesight. According to Ocular Melanoma UK, only about 750 people are diagnosed with the disease each year in the UK. Symptoms can include blurred vision and flashes of light, but it can also be asymptomatic, making regular eye tests vital.
Although the tumours were removed, the cancer later spread to his liver, where it was inoperable. In 2024, doctors gave him 12 months to live, but he survived until June 2026.
Britain's Got Talent Journey
In 2020, Finnegan appeared on Britain's Got Talent, wearing his dog collar and making jokes about working for the church. His act impressed judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and David Walliams, earning him a place in the semi-finals. He did not advance to the final.
Legacy and Book
Following his diagnosis, Finnegan wrote a book titled I Didn't Ask For Any Of This: Church, Comedy and Cancer, chronicling his career from the church to BGT and his cancer journey. He wrote: "First and foremost I’m a husband, dad, grandad and Liverpool fan. Not just the football club but the city as well. It’s a great, friendly place to live. I’m not really sure I can call myself an author because this will most probably be my only publication. I’ve had a varied career, from building sites to Baptist minister. Stand-up comedian and somehow starred on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. I am hoping this book will be my legacy."
