Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor star Ian Royce, who was the warm up act for the ITV shows, has died at the age of 51. A statement from his Twitter account informed fans he died from “severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure”.
The statement 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.”
Ian’s fans and colleagues took to the comments section of the post to pay tribute to the star following the sad news of his death.
Britain’s Got Talent presenters Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly replied from their official Twitter account: “So sorry to hear this news Roxanne, he was a legendary character and will not be forgotten.
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Ian, who was loved by audiences for his sense of humour, checked into rehab late last year for sex and alcohol addiction.
He received treatment at The Priory, which was partly paid for by his showbiz friends and colleagues including Ant and Dec, Simon Cowell, Olly Murs and Robbie Williams.
Ian confirmed he’d be completing a 28-day programme in October last year, writing: “To rehab I do go… Thank you so much to everyone for your help…
“Pucker up @PrioryGroup I’m on my way.”
Ian also opened up about his condition on social media 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 also thanked his friends and his girlfriend and credited them for “saving [his] life” in a heartfelt tweet.