Scott Thomas has paid tribute to dad Dougie James after his sad death.
Soul singer Dougie, who rocketed to fame in the 1960s and 70s with his band Dougie James And The Soul Train, died aged 72. His cause of death has not yet been made public.
For the first time since news of his passing broke, his devastated son has paid tribute.
In a statement, he said: “The word legend can sometimes be thrown around but when it comes to my Dad there was no question. He was the epitome of a star and you felt it every moment you were in his company.
“My Dad’s life was one that he lived to the fullest and his stories would keep us entertained for hours. From touring with the Jackson 5 to warming up for James Brown my dad had done it all with the Soul Train. People might think my Dad is well known because of us but he was a Manchester legend well before our time. I used to be so proud when strangers from all over would come up to me and say are you “Dougie Jame’s son?” He knew everyone and touched so many lives.
“My dad just knew how to make people smile and he was genuinely the funniest man I’ve ever known.
“I can’t believe how truly lucky I was to have him living with me these last 6 months. We’ve made up for so much lost time and shared so many little special memories. I would just watch him from across the room watching his old black and white movies and just be in awe of him. From dancing around the kitchen to deep chats I just can’t tell you how lucky I feel to have had that time.”
Sharing a string of pictures and videos of his dad, Scott added: “My dad told me he had the best life and wouldn’t change a single thing. This might sound sad but he said he was happy for his time to be up and just didn’t enjoy being old. So as heartbreaking as it is that he’s gone I know it’s what he wanted deep down. He was just very tired Saying that even that morning when I last saw him he was on top form as always cracking jokes with that amazing sick sense of humour of his. He always chose laughter for tears.
“My Dad will live on through me, Adam and Ryan. The legacy he has created will shine on through us and the Thomas’s for many, many years to come. He made me so proud to be a Thomas and even though he never really told us I know deep down he was so very proud of us. One thing he never struggled to tell me was that he loved me. Every night before bed he would tell me that and every time I left the house.
“I am my Father’s son and I will remember nothing but the best of memories. He really was a King Rest in Paradise dad, Iove you forever”
Dougie’s boys – former Coronation Street star Ryan, Emmerdale actor Adam and Love Island castmate Scott – had a fractured relationship with their dad that only healed in 2019 when they took a trip to India together.
Their holiday was filmed for the ITV series Mancs In Mumbai, where they followed in the footsteps of Dougie’s father Nolan, who emigrated from India to the UK in 1947.
It was the longest the boys had spent with their dad since he walked out on their family shortly after twins Adam and Scott were born.