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BOB Mortimer is leading the tributes for Chris Rea following the Driving Home For Christmas star’s tragic death.
The legendary British singer-songwriter penned the festive favourite in 1978, which later became a regular hit on the UK Singles Charts.
Rea passed away in hospital, just three days before Christmas after battling with ill health for several years.
He made a huge impact in the entertainment industry and following his passing a host of celebrities have shared their tributes to the late singer.
Comedian Bob Mortimer branded the star a ‘brilliant bloke’, taking to X to pen a heartfelt message, he wrote: “So so sad. A lovely brilliant funny giant of a bloke. Oh Man….RIP Chris .. Boro legend forever. Love to family and friends”.
On the post the comedian added a sweet picture of Chris in a bubble bath holding an egg, which features in Bob’s memoir recalling a time on Would I Lie To You ? where Chris had ‘supposedly’ put an egg in his bath, after the episode Rea sent him the pic.
Bob was good friends with the late star, the pair even making the song Lets Dance together in 1997 for Middlesbrough’s Football Club’s FA Cup Final.
The football team also wrote a tribute on their own page for Chris, who hails from Middlesborough, they wrote: We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Rea. A Teesside icon. Rest in peace, Chris.”
TV star Lizzie Cundy also took to X to express her own condolences, she said: “I’m so sad to hear Chris Rea has died. I was lucky enough to star in his music video Driving home for Christmas.
“I loved every minute and was an honour to work with him and be in his iconic music video . He will always be an inspiration and legend to me. Rest in peace Chris.”
Lizzie appeared in the smash festive hit’s music video back in 2009, alongside a host of celebs including Gail Porter and Martin Shaw.
TV presenter Timmy Mallet wrote in his tribute: “ #RIP Chris Rea I bought his house 1991 on garage wall is happy Christmas message his daughters sprayed it’s still there.
“Chris is driving home For Christmas now singing for our nearest & dearest. Grateful for his wonderful gravely voice. God bless you Chris #RIP”
During Rea’s last TV appearance, on BBC’s Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing in 2020, the singer revealed a special gift he gave childhood sweetheart Joan.
He guest starred on the show for a special Christmas episode where he talked about his battle with serious health issues over the years.
Mortimer also spoke about how his health battles had strengthened the bond between him and his family.
Rea was quick to agree and beamed as he said he shared a similar experience with Joan.
The singer replied: “It was exactly the same for me. I was in hospital and the pancreatic cancer nurse comes in and tells me ‘it’s not grade three cancer phone your wife!’
“So I phone my wife and she pulled the car over and burst into tears.”
The musician had his pancreas removed after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2001 and suffered a stroke in 2016.
The singer went on to make a light-hearted joke about leaving his wife the royalties to his famous hit.
“I gave her all the money, all the rights to all the songs, and now she won’t give them back,” he laughed.
Rea’s wife of 57 years played a key role in writing his Christmas smash hit.
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