A SINGER destined for stardom died on the eve of his band's big television break.

John Fisher, 26, who was educated at Haslingden High School, was due to join his group Cryin' Out Loud for the filming of ITV's Big, Big Talent Show, hosted by Jonathan Ross, when he collapsed.

Paramedics battled in vain to save him after he was found by fiancee Kate Frewer.

Today, colleagues Chris Walton and Paul Martin said they had decided to continue with the TV appearance as a memorial to John, originally from Edenfield in Rossendale.

Chris said: "John's death came as a massive shock but the show must go on.

"He would not have wanted us to miss this chance and his parents have told us to go for it."

John's mother Jean has travelled from her home at Heap Bridge to his home in Sunderland to comfort Kate.

John spent a brief spell at Bury College on a performing arts course, but it was in the local karaoke bars where he first discovered he could sing.

His mum said: "The first time I heard him sing properly was on his 21st birthday in Waldo Peppers in Bury - and I was absolutely amazed."

Cryin' Out Loud built up a huge following on the North East club circuit and were accepted for the Big Big Talent Show after a string of successful performances.

The band had set their sights on a recording contract and played a number of major shows with chart stars including Sean McGuire, Louise and 911.

The Big Big Talent Show on which John was due to appear will be shown on August 23.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.