British singer Chris Rea is dead

British rock and blues singer-songwriter Chris Rea, famous for the evergreen Christmas classic Driving Home for Christmas, has died at the age of 74.

Rea passed away peacefully in hospital on Monday after a short illness, a statement released on behalf of his wife and two children confirmed.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family,” the statement said.

The singer’s death comes just three days to Christmas, a season closely associated with his most enduring hit, Driving Home for Christmas, which has remained a festive staple for decades.

Born in 1951 in Middlesbrough, England, Rea rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s with a string of successful songs, including Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Let’s Dance and The Road to Hell. His 1988 compilation album, New Light Through Old Windows, cemented his global appeal and featured Driving Home for Christmas, his biggest commercial success.

Rea released more than 25 studio albums during his career. Two of them, The Road to Hell (1989) and Auberge (1991) topped the UK Albums Chart.

According to his official website, Driving Home for Christmas tells “the story of a weary traveller making his way home, a moment of warmth, humour and holiday spirit that’s never lost its magic.”

First released in 1986, the song continues to enjoy renewed popularity and featured prominently in the UK’s 2025 Marks & Spencer Christmas food advert, starring British comedian Dawn French.

Rea had faced health challenges in recent years. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2001 and later suffered a stroke in 2016, but continued to be celebrated for his influence on British rock and blues music.

Chris Rea is survived by his wife, Joan, and their two daughters, Josephine and Julia.