Rock legend Chris Rea has died at the age of 74 after fighting a short illness.

The ‘Driving Home For Christmas Singer’, whose real name is Christopher Anton Rea, passed away peacefully following a short illness.

A statement from Rea’s wife Joan and two children, Josephine and Julia Christina, reads:

“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.”

Chris achieved 13 UK Top 40 singles across his career, including two Top 10s: 1988’s Driving Home For Christmas (10) and 1989 track The Road To Hell (Part 2) (10).

Over his illustrious career, Rea recorded 25 studio albums, two of which topped the UK Official Albums Chart: 1989’s The Road To Hell and its successor, 1991 record Auberge.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Chris Rea as well as his fans.