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Britain’s Got Talent stars’ tragic deaths – brutal murder, suicide and heart attack

Britain’s Got Talent has showcased some of the nation’s finest talent year after year since its launch in 2007.

During the history of the wacky ITV show, there’s been incredible gymnasts, dance acts, breathtaking singers and talented animals.

Winners have bagged hefty prize money, a spot on the Royal Variety Performance bill and gone on to forge successful careers.

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But some of the previous incredible contestants have sadly passed away or died in heartbreaking circumstances.

Daily Star remembers some of the finest talents to grace Britain’s Got Talent stage who are no longer with us.

David Watson

David Watson died aged 62 with his family noticing after their messages were ignored
(Image: ITV)

Britain’s Got Talent magician David Watson died aged 62 at his home in Altringham, Cheshire in December last year after appearing on the show 12 times.

Police broke into the retired NHS worker’s home after his family raised concerns he wasn’t picking up their messages, and his death was not treated as suspicious.

David’s first appearance was in 2008 where he had viewers in stitches with his impersonations of Tony Blair, William Hague and David Blunkett.

Speaking about the tragedy, a source told The Sun: “His family couldn’t get hold of him for a few days.

“He wasn’t picking up and his Whatsapp messages were all still unread.”

Judge David Walliams paid tribute to the magician after his death on This Morning, saying: “Today, we actually lost a guy called David J Watson. He was a contestant who came back year in year out and he auditioned for the show over 10 times.

“Unfortunately, he passed away, but he was a wonderful eccentric and characters like him are really I think the lifeblood of Britain’s Got Talent.”

Jack Saunders

Jack tragically died after taking his own life aged 25
(Image: Publicity Picture)

In 2019 dance troupe Green Force Five bagged themselves a slot in the semi-finals after impressing judges Simon Cowell, Alisha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams.

However, the group pulled out of their appearance after it was confirmed Jack Saunders, a member of the group, had died by suicide.

Following his death, Jack’s heartbroken mother Sandra said people “can’t believe Jack is gone” as he told she had no idea he was suicidal.

“I want people to know this can happen to any family,” she said.

“There is no stereotype – it doesn’t have to be a manic depressive who has shown signs of mental health problems.

“Jack was a kind soul. He worried about everyone else, and always focused on others to make sure they were OK. he was the shoulder you cried on.”

Mr Saunders was also the youngest paid dancer to perform at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony when he was just 18.

Norma Clarke

Norma performed Sam the Rapper in 2007
(Image: YouTube)

Norma Clarke, aka “Granny rapper,” took to the Britain’s Got Talent stage to perform Sam the Rapper in 2007, which she wrote herself.

She impressed the judges on the show, even making it through to boot camp before being eliminated from the competition

She sadly died in 2019 after battling a long illness and then suffering a heart attack and kidney failure.

Norma’s daughter Amanda Clarke paid tribute to her to Birmingham Live, saying: “She was just an incredible mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was such a character and many people remembered her for her appearance as a rapper on Britain’s Got Talent.

“She entered as she wanted to win the £100,000 prize money to pay for a new community centre for young people on her estate. That’s how she was always thinking of others.”

Simonne Kerr

Simonne was tragically murdered by her boyfriend

Member of the B Positive Choir Simonne Kerr, who appeared on the ITV show back in 2018, was murdered by her evil boyfriend in 2019.

Simonne, who died aged 31, showcased her impressive singing skills on the show following the death of her
young son, Kavele, who died from complications of sickle cell disease.

Desmond Sylva was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years for killing his on-off girlfriend Simonne at his flat in Clapham.

The old Bailey heard how the twisted psychopath launched a sustained and ferocious attack, slitting Ms Kerr’s throat.

His attack is believed to have started because his sexual advances towards Ms Kerr were rejected.

Henry Hall

Henry Hall (left) died at the age of 86 in 2019, two years after he placed fifth in the competition alongside his friend Malcolm Sykes
(Image: YouTube)

OAPS Henry Hall and Malcolm Sykes came fifth in Britain’s Got Talent in 2017 with their singing act The Pensionalities which later became a huge hit with viewers.

The Pensionalities sang Frank Sinatra’s When You’re Smiling as part of their final appearance on the show.

Judge David Walliams responded by saying. “You’ve put a smile on the faces of the nation”.

But Henry sadly passed away just two years later at his home in Doncaster in April 2019, aged 86

His obituary read: “In both life and death, Henry definitely did it ‘his way!’ He died peacefully at home, as he wished, with his family.

“He lived an extraordinary life and was known to a great many people as H from Cusworth’s Motorcycles and latterly half of The Pensionalities from Britain’s Got Talent. He was loved by many, forgotten by none and will be greatly missed by all.”

Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV and ITVX

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


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