Britain's Got Talent star found dead after becoming a household name
A Britain's Got Talent star was found dead years after becoming a household name thanks to the ITV series. Martyn Crofts performed for judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams in 2012.The "lovely and funny" TV star went on to become known as The Pan Man to viewers of the competition, and made it through to the semi-final stages, where he showcased his skill as a rapping Dalek impersonator.But Martyn was found dead in Whinny Gill Reservoir in Skipton, North Yorkshire, in December 2024 at the age of 55. He had been reported missing the day before. An inquest into his death concluded earlier this week.It stated that he had died by the time his body was recovered, Senior North Yorkshire Coroner Jon Heath recorded a conclusion of suicide. The TV star had lived in Skipton with his wife Deborah at the time of his death.Martyn didn't make it to the final on the programme, which was won by dancing dog duo Ashley & Pudsey with singers Jonathan and Charlotte in second place, but he still went on to have a career in showbiz, and noted on his website that he had performed all around the world, reports the Mirror.Tributes poured in for Martyn, with one person writing on social media: "A beautiful man who would always find time to chat. Very funny too." Another said: "Really saddened by tonight’s update from North Yorkshire Police. A real character who put Skipton on the map on Britain’s Got Talent and loved entertaining people."Another noted that the loss would be felt by a "huge amount of people" and applauded Martyn for putting the town on the map with his TV and showbiz career.When news of the tragedy first unfolded just days before Christmas, fans were also quick to pay tribute then. One friend of Martyn's posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook reminiscing on their time together as entertainers.The heartbreaking post read: "RIP… He loved Skipton And he did a great Dalek impression. You may know him as 'The Pan Man' from Britain's Got Talent, but Martyn Crofts was our friend."Sadly, he was found in Skipton reservoir today, after going missing yesterday. He will be a miss. Rest in peace my friend."Another user wrote: "Martyn Crofts where do I begin, you were a light in everyone’s life! You were the soul and party in Fleece!! From a local lad working at SBS to being ‘Pan man’ and getting all the way to the semi-finals!!"If someone were to ask me how I would describe you, the phrase 'You light up the room with your smile. And illuminate the world with your heart' comes to mind, a lot of people know you from being on BGT, but to me and everyone else in Skipton you’ll always be Martyn Crofts, rest easy up there mate!!"Martyn had described himself as 'the only professional dalek impersonator on this planet when he auditioned for BGT. At the time of his audition he was a mortgage underwriter.While Alesha and Amanda loved his act, Simon Cowell labelled it "arguably the most stupid act I've ever seen on this show".Despite the negative remarks by Simon, Martyn's act saw him in demand. He also won Search for a Star and had recently been singing at residential homes, DJ'ing at clubs and pubs and hosting karaoke contests across the UK.*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.
