TOWIE star Mick Norcross has died at 57.
The father of Kirk Norcross was well known in Essex as the boss of popular celebrity nightspot the Sugar Hut.
He was tragically found dead at his home today, and police say they are not treating his death as suspicious.
Essex Police said in a statement: “We were called to an address in Brentwood Road, Bulphan shortly before 3.15pm on Thursday 21 January.
“Sadly, a man inside was pronounced dead. His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
A source told OK: “There were lots of ambulances outside [Mick’s] house.”
Earlier today at 7.17am, Mick had sent out a heart-wrenching final tweet, writing: “At the end remind yourself that you did the best you could. And that is good enough.”
And after hearing the tragic news, TOWIE’s Mario Falcone said he was “Shocked and heartbroken”.
Elliot Wright, who also appeared on the show, replied to Mick’s tweet with a broken heart emoji.
One of Mick’s followers paid tribute, writing: “Truly can’t believe this. It is so sad. He was such an amazing man. Truly down to earth, welcoming and graceful. He always treated me so well.”
He joined the cast of TOWIE in the early series, appearing alongside his son and Mario as well as famous faces like Mark Wright and Lucy Mecklenburgh.
He was a big part of the show as owner of Sugar Hut, which became the place to be among Essex’s reality royalty.
During his time on the show, he dated some of its stars including Gemma Collins, Chloe Sims and Maria Fowler.
He quit the reality show in 2013, revealing he’d had enough and citing concerns that it was damaging the Sugar Hut brand.
He told The Sun at the time: “My club is an upmarket venue where people come to drink champagne and feel spoiled.
“All these rows they keep filming don’t show the club in a good light and I’m worried it’s putting people off coming, which is the last thing I want.”
He added: “I’ve had enough. I’m out.”
Mick also worked as a property developer. He was close to his reality star son and a doting grandad to Kirk’s children Harry and Violett.
It was reported two years ago that Mick had found love with former Sugar Hut Honey Samantha Keahey, who went on to be Business Administrator of the brand, although it’s not known if they were together at the time of his death.
Mick was also father to another son named Daniel.