Alvin Stardust has died.

The 'My Coo Ca Choo' hitmaker - whose real name was Bernard William Jewry and who previously performed as Shane Fenton - has passed away at home at the age of 72 following a short illness, his manager has announced.

He had recently been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.

The sad news comes just a few weeks after the 'Jealous Mind' singer - who had 11 UK top 40 singles and appeared in a string of stage productions, including 'Godspell', 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' and 'David Copperfield' - announced plans for a new album, 'Alvin'.

He said on his official website last month: ''I am extremely delighted to announce that my new album is now finished and will be released at the beginning of November by Conehead Records.

''
Alvin' is a new and exciting departure for me and I'm immensely proud of the finished product and the amazing work of Richard Scott and Scott Ralph of Daftdog Productions in recording and producing it.''

Alvin had three children from his two previous marriages to Iris Caldwell and Liza Goddard, sons Shaun and Adam - better known as producer and DJ Adam F - and daughter Sophie, and another daughter, Millie, 13, with third wife Julie Paton.