A well-known London street performer, Franklin was recently diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer.

Former Voice U.K. contestant Dean Franklin dies at 36, weeks after cancer diagnosis

A well-known London street performer, Franklin was recently diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer.

By Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books.

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February 10, 2026 5:51 p.m. ET

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Dean Franklin. Credit:

Dean Franklin/Instagram

Dean Franklin, a former contestant on *The Voice U.K.* who was also a beloved London-based street performer, died Saturday at 36.

His mother announced the news on social media Sunday, just weeks after Franklin was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. "As a family we are truly heartbroken to announce that our precious boy Dean Franklin who fought so courageously over 8 weeks and 3 days passed over at [9:39 p.m.] last night," she wrote. "He was surrounded by love."

She also thanked her son's fans and followers for the volume of supportive of messages the family has been receiving, and said she "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."

Franklin first disclosed that he was dealing with "some serious health stuff" in December, in a video posted to Instagram, which he frequently used to connect with fans about his life and music. In his next post, Franklin revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer.

The singer noted that the cancer, first located in a tumor at the "bottom of my oesophagus," had already spread to several lymph nodes in his abdomen. For the next month, Franklin shared frequent updates with his 30,000 followers on the platform, chronicling treatment, opening up about the financial burden, and giving thanks for support.

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In his last video, posted Jan. 30, Franklin noted that he had "no symptoms from the primary cancer," at the time of his diagnosis, and that "all my symptoms came once it spread to my liver." He encouraged his followers to "listen to your body and push for answers."

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Franklin was already a prolific and well-known street performer by the time he audition for *The Voice U.K.* in 2016. He tried out during the blind auditions, wowing the judges and leading BRIT Award-winner Paloma Faith to serve as his mentor.**

Faith paid tribute to her former mentee Tuesday, writing on social media, "Such a talented and beautiful soul. My heart goes out to your family and particularly your very loved daughter."

The final entry on Franklin's Instagram, posted by his family and confirming his death, has become a place for Franklin's fans, friends, and colleagues to share their memories of the singer, with musician and friend Luke Silva commenting a series of broken-heart emojis and S Club alum Jo O'Meara writing, "Rest in Peace Dean. My thoughts are with you all."

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