Comedian Bob Mortimer has shared a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend, legendary British singer‑songwriter Chris Rea, following Rea’s death at the age of 74.
Rea, best known for the enduring holiday classic Driving Home for Christmas, died peacefully in hospital on 22 December 2025 after a short illness, a statement from his family confirmed.
He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.
Mortimer, 66, who like Rea hails from Middlesbrough, took to social media to honor the musician’s life and legacy.
In his message on X, Mortimer described Rea as a “lovely, brilliant funny giant of a bloke,” calling him a “Boro legend forever” and sending love to Rea’s family and friends.
The pair shared a deep friendship that stretched across decades. In 1997, they collaborated on a version of Let’s Dance for Middlesbrough FC’s FA Cup final, and Rea even appeared in a 2020 Christmas special of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.
Mortimer also fondly recalled a humorous story from the BBC panel show Would I Lie to You? in which Rea once cracked an egg into his bath — a tale that delighted fans and became part of their shared lore.
Rea’s influence on British music spanned genres, from rock and blues to seasonal favorites. Beyond Driving Home for Christmas, he achieved success with hits like Fool (If You Think It’s Over), The Road to Hell and On the Beach, and his albums sold millions worldwide.
Rea is survived by his wife Joan and their two daughters, Josephine and Julia.
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow artists alike, Mortimer’s words capture both the personal loss felt by friends and the broader impact of Rea’s music on generations of listeners
