The musical theatre star and chart-topping songwriter has passed away aged 66 after complications during surgery.

Singer, songwriter and entertainer Jon English has died aged 66, due to complications while undergoing surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm. The British-born star had cancelled a show on the advice of his doctors, which was due to take place on Sunday in Newcastle as part of his latest Australian tour, although he had been suffering ill health for several weeks before.

A statement issued by English’s partner, Carmen, read, “No one saw this coming. It was supposed to be a routine surgery. We’re all absolutely devastated that this occurred.” The unexpected suddenness of his death was poignantly demonstrated in a Facebook post published on Monday by the singer’s management, in relation to his recently cancelled performance. “[Jon] apologises to all of his fans who were looking forward to the day, but assures everyone he will be back to full health and rocking out on stage with you all very soon (he is in fact itching to do so!)” it read. 

English was an artist of rare versatility earning a name as a rock star, a television actor, a musical theatre leading man, songwriter,...