Singer-songwriter and reality TV personality Lil' Chris, also known as Chris Hardman, has died at the age of 24.
Suffolk police were alerted to the death of a 24-year-old man at 11:45pm yesterday, who was later identified as Chris Hardman.
Although the cause of death remains unclear, police officers investigating his death in his hometown of Lowestoft are "not treating it as suspicious."
Chris sprang to fame following his appearance in series two of Rock School; a Channel 4 reality show following Gene Simmons from Kiss as he transformed a group of youths into a talented rock band. Hardman was just 15 when he starred in the series.
The cast of Rock School (2006)
In addition to his vocal talents, he could also play the guitar and drums, and write songs.
Hardman went on to release his debut single Checkin' It Out in 2006, reaching the top 5 in the UK charts. He is also known for his other singles Gettin' Enough?, Figure it Out and We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off, all released from 2006 to 2007.
After releasing his self-entitled album in 2006, he performed as a supporting act for McFly on their Up Close and Personal tour throughout the UK.
Hardman also made several guest appearances on television throughout his career, including Never Mind the Buzzcocks, The Weakest Link, and Hole in the Wall.
In 2008, he hosted his own Channel 4 show Everybody Loves Lil' Chris, which coincided with the release of his second album What's It All About.
By 2012, Hardman starred in the musical Loserville before its move to the West End. During this time, he announced his plans to release a third album, and eventually released a festive single called Christmas Number One in 2013.
Throughout his career, he also appeared as a DJ at various venues around the UK.
Tweets from Hardman's Twitter account revealed his battle with depression in the past:
Depression really sucks. Learning how to notice it can save lives and your own feelings at times. Take time to understand it, for everybody.
— Chris Hardman (@CJHardman) October 21, 2014
Earlier this month, he considered quitting the music business altogether:
Thinking about quitting music forever...there has to come a time eventually when I have to face reality. I'm just not good enough.
— Chris Hardman (@CJHardman) March 3, 2015
Hardman's final tweet.
Good morning everybody! Lovely day! Love you all x
— Chris Hardman (@CJHardman) March 18, 2015
Twitter has been awash with tributes from fans, friends and family of Lil' Chris since his death was confirmed.
Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Lil' Chris. He supported us a while back and was a little star and an awesome guy. #RIPChris
— Harry Judd (@mcflyharry) March 24, 2015
Oh my god . Lil Chris . He was a regular guest on TMI. Always always such a polite lovely guy . That's so sad 😢
— caroline flack (@carolineflack1) March 24, 2015
So sad to hear about Lil Chris. He was such a genuinely sweet and funny guy, we had some awesome… https://t.co/qNQFdfwDlV
— Dougie Poynter (@DougiePoynter) March 24, 2015
Elliot Davis, who co-starred with Chris on Loserville, has since said:
"He just had something that the nation saw and it catapulted him to early fame, which perhaps caused problems. He suffered from depression and like many people had struggled to find a way through it."
Samaritans provides confidential support to anyone feeling depressed or struggling to cope.
For 24-hour support call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org
