Britain’s Got Talent legend and comedian Ian Royce has died aged 51.
The devastating news was announced via his social media pages yesterday evening, with Ian’s daughter Roxanne confirming that he passed away after battling severe pneumonia and organ failure.
Ian was most known for helping fans get up close and personal with the talent show judges and presenters, as well as having the audiences in fits of laughter within minutes.
Since the heartbreaking news was revealed, Ian’s former colleagues, as well as former X-Factor contestants, have taken to social media to share their condolences with the Royce family.
Ian’s daughter Roxanne confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media yesterday
Ant and Dec, who front the variety talent show, led the tributes, taking to Twitter saying: “We are sorry to hear of the passing of Ian ‘Roycey’ Royce.
“He was an integral part of the #BGT team for many years.
“Our thoughts are with his beloved Roxy and all his family. RIP Roycey. We’ll never forget you.”
Ian ‘Roycey’ Royce battled severe pneumonia and organ failure (Image: Internet Unknown)
Good Morning Britain’sPiers Morgan also penned: “RIP Ian ‘Roycey’ Royce. Funniest warm-up man in showbiz and a legend in the TV industry.
“Worked with him on @BGT, @AGT & most of my Life Stories shows. Great guy, very loyal friend, & such a proud dad to his daughter Roxanne. Thanks for all the laughs mate.”
BGT host Amanda Holden shared her heartbreak adding: “So sad to hear the sad news of @officialroycey who was our warm-up man and friend on @bgt, just an absolute tragedy.
“Mine and my family’s thoughts go out to Roxy his lovely daughter.”
Famed for his sense of humour, Ian entertained audiences at One Direction shows, forming a close bond with the band and their fans
Luke Friend, who starred on The X Factor, shared his condolences, tweeting: “What an awesome man he was, always made me and my family laugh and smile.
“He made me feel unbelievably comfortable and at home during my time on @TheXFactor.
“He will be sorely missed, all my love to friends and family. Rest easy @officialroycey, L x.”
Fans and former colleagues flocked to social media to pay tribute to Ian
While Love Island host Laura Whitmore shared: “What an extraordinary, brilliant, funny man. Rest in peace dear Roycey.”
Confirming Ian’s passing, Roxanne tweeted: “It is with our greatest regret that we have to tell you all that Ian has passed away today from severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure.
“He was in no pain and was surrounded by friends and family. He put up a good fight but is in a better place now. Roxanne x”
Ian was best known as the warm up guy for ITV shows Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, but also an entertained audiences at One Direction shows, forming a close bond with the band and their fans.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
