Ant and Dec have led tributes to ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ warm-up star Ian Royce.
The beloved entertainer – whose job it was to keep the ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ audiences happy in the minutes before the live shows began – passed away at age 51 after he battled with severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure.
‘BGT’ co-hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have paid their respects to their colleague – whose daughter Roxanne took to his Twitter account on Tuesday (01.09.20) to reveal his passing – admitting he was an "integral part" of the show.
The Geordie duo wrote: "We are sorry to hear of the passing of Ian ‘Roycey’ Royce. (@officialroycey). 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. (sic)"
Former ‘BGT’ judge Piers Morgan – who appeared on the ITV talent competition from 2007 to 2010 – also sent his sympathies to Ian’s family.
He tweeted: "RIP Ian ‘Roycey’ Royce. Funniest warm-up man in showbiz and a legend in the TV industry. Worked with him on @BGT @AGT and most of my Life Stories shows. Great guy, very loyal friend, and such a proud dad to his daughter Roxanne. Thanks for all the laughs mate. (sic)"
Fellow ‘BGT’ judge Amanda Holden took to social media to wish Roxanne and her mother well, writing: "So sad to hear this darling. Thinking of you and your Mum (sic)"
Other stars took to Twitter to pay their respects, including fellow ITV presenters Ben Shephard and Vernon Kay.
Ben wrote: "Roxanne I’m so so sorry to hear this – I had too many wonderful hilarious times with him, he was one of the best at what he did, a great mate and gave the BEST hugs ever. Sending you all loads of love. Xx (sic)"
Vernon tweeted: "We had some unbelievable laughs over the years. I will miss you big guy! RIP. (sic)"