The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of legendary singer-songwriter Chris Rea, best known for his timeless festive hit 'Driving Home for Christmas'. The Middlesbrough-born musician passed away at the age of 74 on Monday, 22 December 2025.
A Heartfelt Tribute from a Lifelong Friend
Close friend and fellow comedian Bob Mortimer, 66, was among the first to pay a moving tribute. Taking to social media platform X, Mortimer wrote: "So so sad. A lovely brilliant funny giant of a bloke. Oh Man... RIP Chris... Boro legend forever. Love to family and friends."
The pair, both proud natives of the North East of England, forged a strong bond over their decades in the public eye. Their friendship was cemented in 1997 when they collaborated on a recording of Rea's song 'Let's Dance' to celebrate Middlesbrough FC reaching the FA Cup final.
Eggs, Baths and Gone Fishing: A Memorable Bond
Mortimer famously immortalised their friendship during a memorable appearance on the panel show Would I Lie to You? He recounted an absurd story where Rea had advised him to crack a raw egg into his bath. The tale became a fan favourite, and Mortimer later delighted followers by posting a photoshopped picture of Rea in a bath with an egg, an image widely shared again after news of the singer's death.
Their camaraderie was showcased once more in 2020 when Chris Rea made a guest appearance in a Christmas special of Mortimer's series, Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.
The Legacy of a Musical Icon
Chris Rea's family announced his passing with a statement confirming he "passed away peacefully in hospital following a short illness, surrounded by his family."
Rea rose to fame in the late 1970s and 80s with global hits like 'Fool (If You Think It's Over)' – which earned a Grammy nomination – and the powerful 'The Road To Hell'. However, it is his 1986 release, 'Driving Home for Christmas', that has become an indelible part of the British festive season.
In a poignant final interview with The Independent just days before his death, Rea shared the song's unexpected origins. "I'd been banned from driving just before I wrote it," he revealed, "and we originally thought we'd give it to Van Morrison." Initially conceived as a 'Fifties jazz thing', the track was released as a B-side before a DJ began playing it, launching it on its path to becoming a Christmas classic. Rea noted its enduring appeal lay in its blend of "hope and warmth" and the shared frustration of holiday traffic.
The death of Chris Rea marks the loss of a true 'Boro legend', a gifted musician whose work, and unique friendship with Bob Mortimer, will be remembered for years to come.
