Chris Rea on stage in 2017

British singer Chris Rea has died at the age of 74.

Announcing the news on Monday afternoon, a spokesperson confirmed that the musician had died earlier that day following what was described as a “short illness”.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris,” the statement said.

“He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”

The Middlesborough-born singer was perhaps best known for his festive hit Driving Home For Christmas, first released as a single in 1988, which has gone on to become a festive classic, resurfacing in the charts in the run-up to Christmas each year due to streaming.

It is also

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