Wakefield born singer Jane McDonald announces death of partner Eddie Rothe, former drummer in 60s band The Searchers

Jane McDonald has announced that her long-term partner Eddie Rothe has died from lung cancer. Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

A representative of the Wakefield-born singer said Mr Rothe died on March 26 and that his funeral was held today (April 7).

In a set of tweets from Ms McDonald's Twitter account, a spokesperson wrote: "It is with immense sadness that we share the news that Jane’s beloved long term partner, Ed, passed away on Friday 26th March.

"He had been battling lung cancer for the last few months. We would like to thank everyone for all their help and support during this very difficult time, especially the NHS staff and the wonderful team at The Wakefield Hospice.

"The funeral took place earlier today and we would please ask for your kindness in observing Jane’s privacy for her and Ed’s family at this sad time."

Ms McDonald, who has presented several hit shows about cruises for Channel 5, told the Yorkshire Post in 2019 how Mr Rothe had helped her become a television star.

She said: "He is the one who sits down and works out my year with me. He’s very much a part of every contract that I sign – we sit and discuss absolutely everything. So, if people think, ‘God she’s leaving him again’, actually he’s part of my business.

“He’s the one that says, ‘Go off and do it while you can!’, because he did – he did it for 35 years. Now he’s enjoying his time at home, and he’ll say, ‘This is your time now, go out and enjoy it’. And that’s what it’s all about.”

The couple were engaged in 2008.

Mr Rothe was the former drummer in 1960s band The Searchers, which he joined in the 1980s.