Soul Singer And Thomas Brothers' Dad Dougie James Has Died

The Thomas Brothers' dad Dougie James has died aged 72.

The passing of the former lead singer of Dougie James And The Soul Train was confirmed on Facebook by his brother Barry.

ITV

Dougie was father to former Coronation Street actor Ryan, and twins Adam, of Emmerdale fame, and Scott, who was a contestant on Love Island.

Barry's Facebook post read: "Thanks to Ryan Scott and Adam for letting me know the legend that was my brother Dougie James has passed away thanks for the laughs the musical education Bro see you on the other side."

In the height of his fame, Dougie and his band supported The Jackson Five.

Radio presenter Mike Shaft paid tribute to him on BBC Manchester.

He said: "He played all over the north west, in those days when they were playing places like Golden Garter they'd have bands on, an American band and then Dougie James.

"Wonderful guy, always a smile on his face. Always a happy story. Very sad news."

Dougie and his sons appeared together in the summer on ITV documentary series Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai.

The show represented an emotional journey for the family, with Dougie disappearing from his sons' lives for six years of their childhood.

Reflecting on the show in a post on Instagram, Adam said: "Getting to watch #mancsinmumbai and reflecting on the time we had together out there, was nothing short of special!!

"My dad may not have been there all my life, but he's here now, for me and my brothers that's all that matters... not every father is perfect and mine certainly isn't, but he's my dad.

"You only get one...and am glad it's you dad!"

Tributes to Dougie have been pouring in on social media:

The cause of Dougie's death is not yet known.

RIP Dougie.

Topics: UK News, Celebrity

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey