TOWIE star Mick Norcross has been found dead at the age of 57.
The businessman, widely known as 'Mr Sugarhut' after once owning the famous Sugarhut nightclub regularly featured in Towie, was found dead at his home in Essex yesterday afternoon, it has been confirmed.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstance but as yet a cause of death has not been revealed.
Mick first appeared on Towie's second series in 2011, with his son Kirk, 32, part of the original cast, but left two years later claiming his reputation had been damaged by appearing on the show.
Tributes came pouring in after news of his death broke, with his former TOWIE colleagues including ex girlfriend Gemma Collins and James Argent describing him as a "true gentleman" and an "Essex legend".
Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates on Mick Norcross' death…
- Niamh Cavanagh
ENGLAND PLAYER HARRY MAGUIRE PAYS TRIBUTE TO TOWIE STAR
England's Harry Maguire paid his respects by tweeting a love heart emoji for Mick.
- Niamh Cavanagh
JESS WRIGHT 'DEVASTATED' FOR NORCROSS FAMILY
Friend Jess Wright expressed her sadness at the shock news, writing: "Terribly terribly sad. Always such a gentleman and so kind.
"Devastated for him and his family. Sending love to them at this time."
- Niamh Cavanagh
EXPLAINER – WHO IS KIRK NORCROSS?
Reality TV star Kirk was born in Woodford, Essex in April 1988 who is known for Towie.
His dad Mick owned The Sugar Hut in Brentwood and for a time Kirk worked for the club promoting nights there.
He released his autobiography Essex Boy in April 2013.
Kirk was a household name after his three years on Towie and Ex On The Beach, dating stars including Amy Childs, Vicky Pattison and Lauren Pope.
- Niamh Cavanagh
FORMER CO-STAR MARIO FALCONE SHARES TOUCHING TRIBUTE
Sharing a photo on Instagram, Mick's former co-star Mario Falcone said the news was "very hard to accept," adding "I had so much respect and admiration for this man."
Referring to his own battle with depression, he said: “You were the only one from the whole show that reached out and cared about me.
"You were someone I looked up to and held in the highest regard. The thought of you going through the same pain and emotional darkness I did breaks my heart. You will be sorely missed by so many!”
- Niamh Cavanagh
TOWIE'S CHLOE SIMS IS 'GUTTED' OVER DEATH
Friend Chloe Sims wrote: "Absolutely gutted. Mick, forever a gentleman with the most gentle, kind heart.
"Heartbreaking you felt you couldn't stay. You will always be missed."
- Niamh Cavanagh
EXPLAINER – WHEN WAS MICK ON TOWIE?
Mick did not appear on The Only Way is Essex until the second season in 2011, despite the Sugar Hut featuring regularly in the debut series.
He made his first appearance in the season two's premiere alongside his son Kirk.
Norcross senior became a regular, featuring in a total of 53 episodes from 2011 to 2013.
He left after the first episode in season eight after revealing he wanted to make his Sugar Hut nightclub more high-end.
- Niamh Cavanagh
TOWIE CO-STAR JAMES ARGENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO 'MR SUGARHUT'
Towie's James Argent said Mick was "a true gentleman" and "very kind man," writing online: "Many amazing memories, so sad!
"My thoughts are with his family."
- Niamh Cavanagh
EXPLAINER – HOW MANY CHILDREN DID MICK NORCROSS HAVE?
Mick had four children, including The Only Way Is Essex star Kirk Norcross by Julie Lloyd.
Kirk was among the show's original stars, featuring in the debut episode.
He left Towie after season three, before returning for the seventh and eighth series – departing for good in 2013.
Before his return to the reality programme, he starred in Celebrity Big Brother before going on to join Ex On The Beach.
Mick also fathered Mason and Hollie Bright-Norcross, along with other son Daniel.
Norcross senior was also a grandfather to Kirk's son Harry Michael.
The former Sugar Hut owner was also a cousin of former Apprentice star Camilla Ainsworth.
- Niamh Cavanagh
GEMMA COLLINS PAYS TRIBUTE TO TOWIE CO-STAR
Gemma Collins said she was "absolutely shocked and saddened" by the news.
Sharing a photo of her and Mick, who she briefly dated, she wrote: "always a gentleman".
- Niamh Cavanagh
TOWIE STAR DIES
Mick Norcross has died aged 57.
The much-loved businessman rose to fame as the owner of Sugar Hut nightclub on the ITV series, alongside his son Kirk.
Source: Read Full Article