The late Ian Royce was leant a helping hand by close pals Ant & Dec during his rehab stint last year. Earlier today, Ian's daughter Roxanne issued a statement announcing that her dad had died at the age of 51 from "severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure." Roxanne added that he was surrounded by loved ones when he died, Ant & Dec leading celebrity tributes to the comedian.
Ian had struck up a rapport with the Geordie duo as a warm-up act for Britain's Got Talent. He also knew Simon Cowell well, and worked closely with him on The X Factor.
In September last year, he penned a heartfelt tweet after they, among other famous mates, stepped in to help pay for his rehab.
Read more on mirror.co.uk