Dean Franklin, a contestant on the 2016 series of The Voice UK, has died aged 36 after a battle with oesophageal cancer. His mother, Marie, announced his death on Monday, 9 February, stating he had passed away the previous night.
The London-born singer shared his diagnosis in December 2025, revealing he was beginning chemotherapy. In a final video posted to Instagram on 24 January, he described how the cancer had spread aggressively to his liver, with few symptoms from the oesophagus itself.
In the video, Franklin urged fans to listen to their bodies and seek early medical checks. 'Sometimes cancer doesn't shout where it starts. Sometimes it whispers and shows itself somewhere else,' he said. 'Please listen to your body, push for answers, don't ignore changes, and early checks really do matter.'
Franklin's appearance on The Voice UK in 2016 brought him to public attention. His final message has since been widely shared, with many paying tribute to his bravery and candour.
