Ian Royce dead – BGT star dies ‘surrounded by friends and family’

Britain’s Got Talent and X Factor star Ian Royce has tragically died.

A message on his Twitter account earlier this evening read told that the star had 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.”

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.

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.