THE Voice UK contestant Dean Franklin has died following a battle with cancer, aged 36.

The star, who appeared on the show in 2016 and was mentored by Paloma Faith, announced last month he was starting chemo, but just weeks later has passed away.

A man with a shaved head and beard, wearing a white shirt and bracelets, has a medical device taped to his arm and yellow discoloration under his eyes.
Dean Franklin, 36, died following a brief cancer battle
 

A man in a fedora, denim jacket, and striped shirt singing into a microphone on stage.
Dean appearing on the ITV hit show The Voice
 

Paloma Faith smiling and clapping with hands pressed together while sitting in a red chair.
Hit singer Paloma Faith after turning her chair for Dean
 

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Dean was tragically struck down by oesophageal cancerCredit: instagram
Dean’s family said in a Facebook post: “I never wanted to share this news with you all so soon…

“As a family we are truly heartbroken to announce that our precious boy who fought so courageously over 8 weeks and 3 days passed over at 21.39pm last night…

“He was surrounded by love. I have been getting MSG’s from people this morning and wanted as his ma to manifest my son’s courage to share with you all…

“As a family we will post in more length when we are able. Until then please know that the love you gave to our Dean and all of us has meant so very much.”

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Dean, from Finsbury Park, North London, had started a GoFundMe page in January to help create financial security for his family, including his daughter.

He said he’d recently been diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer, adding he was starting chemo.

He explained: “While this treatment is not curative, it gives me time and the possibility of further options, and I have chosen to go ahead with it…

“Right now, my focus is on treatment, managing pain, and holding on to the parts of life that matter most to me, especially music and my family…”

He went on to say, due to his inability to work, he was “facing significant financial pressure” and want to help “ease that burden” so he could focus on his health.

This included: “Planning ahead, including future costs and support for my daughter, who means everything to me.”

Dean, who was mentored by Paloma Faith during his stint on the music show, performed for the final time in London’s Piccadilly Circus on January 11.

The dad-of-one had spent nearly two decades performing in the capital, but had slowed down after being diagnosed on December 9 last year.

He previously said he’d been going back and forth to the doctors for months with acid reflux, which was affecting his voice.

“The medication didn’t work,” he said. “Then pain started under my ribs – in my liver. That’s when everything changed.”

Among snaps shared of the star in hospital was one showing him holding hands with his family – with his arm having turned yellow from jaundice.

Donate to Franklin’s GoFundMe here.

A contestant performing on The Voice stage as a coach turns in his red chair.
Will.i.am listening to Dean during The Voice
 

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Franklin had been raising money for his daughterCredit: instagram
 

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Holding hands with his loved ones before his deathCredit: Facebook