Driving Home for Christmas singer Chris Rea has died at the age of 74 after a short illness. In a statement on behalf of his wife and two children, they said: 'It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.' He was born on 4 March 1951 in Middlesbrough in the North Riding of Yorkshire to Italian father, Camillo Rea, and Irish mother, Winifred K. Slee. The iconic song Driving Home for Christmas has made a reappearance on the UK Singles Chart every year since 2007, including making number 10 in 2021. #chrisrea #drivinghomeforchristmas #christmas