Former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Audrey Leybourne has died aged 95.
In a Facebook statement posted by the vicar of her local church on Friday, it was revealed that the artist, who has also appeared on the television shows Stella and Doctors, passed away on Thursday; however, the reason is unknown.
Paying tribute to Audrey, the reverend praised her as a ‘remarkable person’ before sharing Audrey’s latest message to his fellow parishioners.
Tragic: Britain’s Got Talent star Audrey Leybourne has died aged 95, four years after appearing on the ITV show (pictured in 2018)
Along with a beaming snap from Audrey, the Reverend Simon Grigg wrote: “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of our very dear friend Audrey Leybourne, who passed away early Thursday morning.
“She was a remarkable person, a veritable acting troupe (she began her career with Sir Donald Wolfit, no less) and a much-loved member of St. Paul’s.
He has one last message for all of you. When he was in the hospital two weeks ago, he told me, “If I get out, tell everyone I don’t regret anything. I’ve had a wonderful life.”
He concluded: ‘Quite a statement. A whole lady. A complete Christian.
Tragic: In a Facebook statement posted by the vicar of her local church on Friday, it was revealed that the artist, who has also appeared on the television shows Stella and Doctors, passed away on Thursday; however, the reason is unknown.
We will of course let you all know when we have details of his funeral. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.’
In the 2018 series of the ITV talent show, Audrey impressed judges and audiences alike when she sang I Wanna Be Loved By You at the age of 90.
When asked by Amanda Holden if she was married, Audrey hilariously replied, “No, I’ve been in love many, many times… 22 gentlemen,” leading to her being called “sassy.”
Tribute: Paying tribute to Audrey, the reverend praised her as a “remarkable person” before sharing Audrey’s latest message to fellow parishioners.
Audrey previously enjoyed success as a member of the dance troupe The Roly Polys, who made many appearances on the BBC’s Les Dawson Show in the 1980s.
After his stint on Britain’s Got Talent, he appeared in a pantomime of York and had a guest appearance in two episodes on Carters Get Rich.
She played Potty T Potts in Beauty and the Beast in her first panto performance when she was 90 years old.
Talented: In the 2018 series of the ITV talent show, Audrey impressed judges and audiences alike when she sang I Wanna Be Loved By You at the age of 90.
MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.
It follows reports that judge David Walliams, 51, has resigned from the ITV show ahead of its 2023 series, after 10 years on the judging panel.
Weeks earlier, he had been forced to apologize for describing an elderly contestant as a ‘c***’ and making vile sexual comments about a female contestant.
Show bosses are believed to already be looking for a replacement before filming begins next year.
Career: After her stint on Britain’s Got Talent, she appeared in a York pantomime and had a two-episode appearance on Carters Get Rich.
said a source Sun: ‘He hasn’t made the decision lightly, but it seems it’s time to move on.’
‘David has decided to retire after a ten year career. He wants to go on a high after a wonderful time.
“His team has been having quiet conversations for the past few days where it has become clear that David is preparing to step down, and then the producers will start thinking about who could replace him.”
David’s co-stars Simon, Amanda and Alesha are in negotiations for their 2023 contracts. None of them have signed a deal yet.
A BGT source told MailOnline: “It’s still very much up in the air at this point if David will be on next year’s show.” However, no decision has yet been made.
A Britain’s Got Talent spokesperson said: “The judging panel for Britain’s Got Talent 2023 will be announced in due course.”
Scandal: Follows reports that judge David Walliams left the ITV show ahead of its 2023 series, weeks after he was forced to apologize for describing an elderly contestant as a ‘c***’ (in the photo in January 2022)