A POP singer from Bury died hours before he was due to travel for his band's big break in a national TV show.

John Fisher, 26, should have been in London with his colleagues from Cryin' Out Loud to film ITV's Big, Big Talent Show.

But he collapsed at his home in Sunderland on Sunday only hours before the band was due to travel south for rehearsals.

Paramedics battled to save the talented singer, who was found in a collapsed state by his fiancee Kate Frewer.

Now colleagues Chris Walton and Paul Martin have decided to continue with the TV appearance as a memorial to him.

"John's death came as a massive shock but the show must go on," said Chris. "He would not have wanted us to miss this chance and his parents have told us to go for it."

Chris' mother, Enid, added: "We don't know for sure what caused his death, but the paramedics said it might have been a problem with his heart.

"The band won't be able to do some of the songs without John because his voice was so amazing." John originally came from Edenfield near Bury, and his mother Jean travelled from her home at Heap Bridge to Sunderland to comfort his fiancee.

A former pupil of Haslingden High School, John spent a brief spell at Bury College doing a performing arts course.

But it was in the local karaoke bars where he first discovered he had 'a voice'.

Mum Jean said: "The first time I heard him sing properly was on his 21st birthday in Waldo Peppers in Bury - and I was absolutely amazed. He had a fantastic voice.

"He was a lovely person. I don't think anyone had a bad word to say about him."

At 22, John went on a working holiday to Crete where he met fellow band member Paul.

The pair toured the island, singing in local bars, and decided to get their own group together on their return to England.

Jean said: "Once John started singing professionally he just got better and better."

Cryin' Out Loud built up a huge following on the North East club circuit and were accepted for the Big Big Talent Show, hosted by Jonathan Ross, after a string of successful performances.

The band had set their sights on a recording contract and played a number of major shows with chart stars including Sean McGuire, Louise and 911.

Chris said: "I don't know what will happen to the band after this but I'm sure Paul and I will stick together."

The show on which John was due to appear will be broadcast on August 23 with a former band member filling in for John.

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