The death of Dougie James, father of Ryan, Adam and Scott, and star of Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai, has been announced today.
The 72-year-old singer gained popularity with TV viewers earlier this year as the ITV show followed him and his boys on a trip to India to explore their family heritage.
The relationship between former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas, his ex-Emmerdale brother Adam and his Love Island contestant twin Scott and their dad warmed viewers’ hearts.
It was a television highlight amidst the coronavirus pandemic misery.
Read more: The secret meaning behind Ryan Thomas and Lucy Mecklenburgh’s name for son
While many were already familiar with the three brothers, Dougie was unknown to most.
He proved an immediate hit, with people piling onto Twitter to praise him.
5 minutes in to #MancsInMumbai and I’m already gutted there are only 6 episodes! They are too funny! 🔥🔥😂😂 Dougie is such a sweetheart ❤❤❤
— Jacqueline Heeney (@JLH062314) April 29, 2020
Well I’m already smiling and I’m only 5 minutes in…. This is gonna be a good’un….. Dad Dougie is a funny man!!!! #mancsinmumbai
— Vicki Hopkins (@vicki03101) April 29, 2020
I love Dougie already! #MancsInMumbai #AbsolutelyIndia
— Sarah C (@SarahC1305) April 29, 2020
Tragic comparison before Dougie James’ death
Some fans noticed that he shared more than a passing resemblance to a British comedian and national treasure Bobby Ball, who also tragically died earlier this month.
#mancsinmumbai thought their Dad was Bobby Ball for a minute
— Andy Mochan (@Andy_Mochan) April 29, 2020
The Thomas Dad reminds me of Bobby Ball. #mancsinmumbai #mancsinmumbai pic.twitter.com/kypPqKzBsN
— T. H (@NSFtwerk) April 29, 2020
Is Ryan Thomas’s dad Bobby Ball? #mancsinmumbai
— David “The Chair Man” Sheraton ♫ (@davidsheraton) April 29, 2020
There were plans for another series of Mancs, this time set in the Caribbean. Sadly this is something, Dougie, his boys – and viewers – will miss out on. Hopefully the lads will get to do the journey in Dougie’s name.
Rest in peace, Dougie – thank you for the music and the laughter. Hope you and Bobby get to ‘rock on’ together in Heaven.
Leave your condolences for Dougie on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.