Performer of world-famous Christmas song dies aged 74
Chris Rea in his studio in 2005. Photo: BBC
British singer and songwriter Chris Rea, the creator of the world-famous Christmas song Driving Home for Christmas, has died at the age of 74, the BBC reported.
The musician passed away on December 22, 2025, in hospital after a short illness, a representative of his family said.
In a statement released on behalf of his wife and two children, the family said: “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.”
The singer had previously been diagnosed with cancer, and in 2001 he underwent surgery to remove his pancreas.
Chris Rea was the author and performer of such hits as Driving Home for Christmas, Auberge, and On the Beach.
In October 2025, Chris Rea released a new album titled Christmas Album, which included an updated version of Driving Home for Christmas along with other festive compositions.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Britain, a teacher was dismissed for saying that England is a Christian country.
Read also
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.
Concert held at seized Cherkasy cathedral
The OCU thanked the musical ensemble for choosing the Cherkasy cathedral as the venue for a Baroque music concert.
OCU activist admits breaking into UOC church in Sloviansk
Oleksandr Onyshchenko said that the OCU held its first "service" at the Seraphim Church, which had previously been broken into by forcing the locks and doors.
Archimandrite Ioustinos, longtime keeper of Jacob's Well, dies in Jordan
Archimandrite Ioustinos (Mamallos), the keeper of Jacob's Well in Nablus, has died after a prolonged illness.