A man who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020 has sadly died after a battle with sepsis
Dave Betton, a vocalist who received a heartfelt tribute from Simon Cowell during his Britain’s Got Talent performance, has sadly died aged 82.
The singer – who was on the ITV show in 2020 alongside his son Dean – died last month from sepsis, surrounded by his loved ones. His funeral is set to take place at Carleton Crematorium on Monday, October 27.
In 2020, despite having retired from singing a decade earlier, Betton took to the stage alongside his son Dean on the show. The duo advanced to the next stage of the competition after impressing the judges and receiving a standing ovation for their touching rendition of the classic That’s Life.
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Judge Amanda Holden praised them, stating they “smashed it”, while Simon commented: “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!”
Betton began his professional career as a teenager, mastering the Rat Pack catalogue of Frank Sinatra and other renowned crooners, whilst also demonstrating his versatility by tackling diverse material, according to the Daily Star.
In 1981, he relocated from his hometown of Chesterfield to Blackpool with his wife Josie, who purchased the Dorchester Hotel On Queens Promenade, reports the Express.
He then embarked on a career as a club entertainer. The singer quickly made a name for himself on the local scene and became a popular act, performing at venues along the coast during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
Betton also had the chance to tour in Australia and South Africa, fulfilling a lifelong dream with a brief stint in the glittering Las Vegas. He hung up his microphone 15 years ago when his beloved Josie passed away.
Dean, 54, from Cleveleys, shared: “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 death on Facebook has been phenomenal with over 400 messages.”
Britain’s Got Talent is set to return to ITV in 2026.
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