Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor star Ian Royce has tragically died.
A statement was made on his Twitter profile last night and told that the star had died from “severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure.”
The statement from his daughter read: “It is with our greatest regret that that Ian has passed away today from severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure.
“He was in no pain but surrounded by friends and family. He put up a good fight but is in a better place now. Roxanne x.”
The post has since been flooded with messages of support and condolence.
Ian, who kept audiences entertained with his famous humour, checked into rehab late last year for sex addiction.
He received treatment at The Priory, the bill partly footed by his showbiz pals including Ant & Dec, Simon Cowell, Olly Murs and Robbie Williams.
In a lengthy post, he confirmed his condition and told fans he was getting the help he needed.
He wrote at the time: “I just wanted to let you all know that my first 28 days of treatment, have come to an end and I will ow be going abroad for the next 3 months to continue my treatment and really work on me and issues that have been buried deep for 40 years.
“As well as my alcohol addiction I have also surrendered to my sex and love addictions stemming from my past which have affected my relationships greatly.
“I am committed to working on all of the above to be a better person to me and to others.”
Ian credited his mates and his girlfriend with “saving [his] life” in a heartfelt tweet after they’d stepped in to help out.
The sad news prompted many tributes from his showbiz pals, including Piers Morgan who called him “hilarious and complex” and someone with “a lot of demons”.
Speaking on GMB this morning he said: “Very sad news, yesterday, his daughter let me know.
“The most famous person you probably haven’t heard of, Roycey was famous to the industry and everyone who worked in it because he was the best, funniest warm up guy.”
Piers went on: “We had so many laughs, he was a funny, complex guy in many ways, he had a lot of demons which people who follow him on social media would have known.
“He had a zest for life, he was hilariously funny, and he had a great love for his daughter Roxanne, our thoughts are with her in particular.”
He added: “Fourteen years, always made me laugh, he will be greatly missed by everyone in our business, I will miss him.
“Love to all his family, all his friends.”
Earlier this year he sparked concern after tweeting a picture of empty medication packets.
But he returned to Twitter and thanked fans for reaching out to him en masse.
He wrote: “I hit a true rock bottom yesterday but shared it… As I d most things…
“I reached out and you all stood up – thank you so much…. Life savers.
“Although home I am so scared as no where to live from Thursday and skint…”
Ian also addressed the death of his friend Caroline Flack, who took her own life in February.
“A huge Caroline’s flack trigger of loss… Huge..,” Ian went on.
“Thank you so much for your love and support… I screamed you hugged…. So so grateful xxxxx.”
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operates a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email Jo@samaritans.org if you’d prefer to write down how you feel. You are not alone.
