Lil’ Chris dies aged 24

Lil’ Chris has died at the age of 24, according to reports.

The young star – full name Christopher James Hardman – rose to fame in 2006 after appearing alongside Gene Simmons on Channel 4’s Rock School at the age of 15. He later scored two UK Top 20 hits with Checkin’ It Out and Gettin’ Enough later that year.

Tributes have been paid on social media to the singer and TV personality, including by McBusted stars Harry Judd and Dougie Poynter, who toured with the star during their time in McFly:

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

So sad to hear about Lil Chris. He was such a genuinely sweet and funny guy, we had some awesome times. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

A photo posted by Dougie Poynter (@idougahole) on Mar 24, 2015 at 7:03am PDT

As well as Rock School, the 24-year-old also made TV appearances on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Dani’s House and The Weakest Link.

While the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, Suffolk Police said it was not treating the death – which was reported on Monday (March 23) – as suspicious, the BBC has confirmed.

“The force was called to an address in Union Road, Lowestoft, at around 11:45 GMT to reports a man had died suddenly,” a spokeswoman said.

“A post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death is due to take place, and a file will be passed to the coroner,”she added.

More stories:
Zoe Saldana: Dolce & Gabbana boycott ‘the stupidest thing’
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black share anniversary pics