Dave Betton, 82, was a well-known singer in Blackpool and on the Fylde coast, and even performed on Britain’s Got Talent with his son Dean
07:27, 13 Oct 2025
Simon Cowell praised the singer(Image: Gilbert Flores, Variety via Getty Images)
A singer who received a special tribute from Simon Cowell while performing on Britain’s Got Talent has died, ahed 82. Dave Betton performed on the show in 2020 alongside his son Dean, despite having retired from singing 10 years prior.
The duo advanced to the later rounds of the competition after impressing the judges and receiving a standing ovation for their heartwarming performance of the classic ‘That’s Life’.
Amanda Holden praised them, saying they “smashed it”, while Simon Cowell commented on their act: “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!”.
Young Dave Betton Crop(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Dave began his professional career as a teenager, excelling in the Rat Pack repertoire of Frank Sinatra and other renowned crooners, but also demonstrated versatility in adapting his style to different material.
In 1981, he relocated from his hometown of Chesterfield to Blackpool with his wife Josie, who purchased the Dorchester Hotel On Queens Promenade. Dave then pursued a professional career as a club singer.
He quickly made a name for himself on the local scene and became a popular attraction, performing at clubs all along the coast throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
Dave also had the pleasure of performing on tour in Australia and South Africa, fulfilling a personal dream with a brief stint in glamorous Las Vegas.
He performed with son Dean(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
He hung up his microphone 15 years ago when his beloved Josie passed away. In the meantime, their son Dean followed in his father’s footsteps, carving out his own singing career as a Robbie Williams tribute act.
Five years ago, he thought it was high time they gave Britain’s Got Talent a shot, appearing as the duo Dave and Dean.
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 made up. 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.”
One of Dean’s sons is also dipping his toes into the music industry, marking the third generation of performers in the family.
Dave, who spent his final days in sheltered accommodation in Lytham, sadly passed away last month from sepsis following a brief illness, surrounded by his loved ones. His funeral will be held at Carleton Crematorium on Monday, October 27.
He leaves behind two sons, Dean and Darren, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and a step-great-granddaughter.
Meanwhile, auditions for Britain’s Got Talent are making a comeback in Blackpool, offering fans the opportunity to see top-notch performances live at the Winter Gardens.
The renowned Winter Gardens, owned by Blackpool Council, is all set to host the Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) Judge Auditions from 10-17 October.
This signifies the much-anticipated return of the popular ITV talent show to this historic venue, giving fans the chance to experience the magic of BGT live.
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