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File photo dated 02/10/07 PA Wire/Press Association Images

Reality TV star Lil' Chris has died, aged 24

The singer found fame as a teenager on Channel 4 reality TV series Rock School.

Updated at 6.05pm

SINGER LIL’ CHRIS, who found fame on Channel 4 reality TV series Rock School almost a decade ago, has died aged 24.

The programme was set at Kirkley High School in Lowestoft, Suffolk.

The then-student, whose real name was Chris Hardman, launched his music career with the single ‘Checkin It Out’ after appearing on the show.

Police aren’t treating the death as suspicious.

According to the BBC, a spokesperson for Suffolk Police was called to an address in Lowestoft following reports a man had died suddenly.

A post-mortem is due to be carried out.

Kiss frontman Gene Simmons, who starred in the popular show as the students’ mentor and music teacher, has been paying tribute to the former reality star on Twitter.

Other celebrities – including TV presenter Caroline Flack and McBusted drummer Harry Judd – have also tweeted their shock at the news.

LilChrisVEVO / YouTube

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After a few early hits, Hardman’s chart career flagged – but in recent years he found success as part of the cast of the musical ‘Loserville’ which played in the West End.

He had recently posted comments about depression and the pressures of growing up in the public eye on his Twitter account.

The charity Samaritans, which provides support to people in emotional distress, said in a statement it was saddened to hear of Hardman’s death.

“If anyone has been affected by this news, or is struggling to cope, we would like to let people know that Samaritans is here for them if they need to talk.

“Samaritans is here round the clock, every single day of the year, to listen and offer confidential support when things are getting to you.”

If you need someone to talk to, contact:

  • Console 1800 247 247 – (suicide prevention, self-harm, bereavement)

  • Aware 1890 303 302 (depression, anxiety)

  • Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie - (suicide, self-harm)

  • Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19)

  • Childline 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s)

Read: Gerard McKerr, one of the “Hooded Men”, has died

Read: U2 play as friends, family and fans say goodbye to Tony Fenton

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59 Comments
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    Mute David Walsh
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:21 PM

    Can infect the brain but the body still works………is that not Facebook !!!

    130
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    Mute Ian Martin
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:17 PM

    We have these in Ireland already they’re called the government, only they feed on other peoples money!!!

    64
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    Mute Les Rock
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:34 PM

    I detest the government too, but for the love of Jaysis that was poor.

    147
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    Mute Ian Martin
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    Oct 30th 2012, 7:04 PM

    @les rock: but true

    14
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    Mute Joseph Bosh
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:14 PM

    So basically some mad scientist could actually create the RAGE virus from 28 days later or the t-virus in resident evil…

    …on the plus side the wouldn’t have to just be hit in the brain. Anywhere will do.

    50
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    Mute Aidan Finn
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:31 PM

    The government should send sports accessories and garden utensils for the coming zombie apocalypse. Make sure you store them with your iodine pill and government cheese.

    49
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    Mute Luca Costa
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:38 PM

    Better get out my copy of Don’t Stop Me Now and my snooker cues. Bring it on!!!

    41
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    Mute Yer auld one
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:55 PM

    Have you seen the specimens dragging themselves around the Liffey boardwalk! The Walking Dead don’t have a patch these dudes. Since they closed the section of boardwalk along Eden Quay it’s let them wander!!!!

    37
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    Mute Rory Mcloughlin
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:37 PM

    Take a walk around Kilkenny on a Saturday night after 1am and you can see one quite clearly ;-)

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    Mute cornflaker
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    Oct 30th 2012, 7:49 PM

    i remember walking around a lingerie shop a few years back in stephens green shopping centre near valentines day looking for a gift for the mrs. a lot of lads were doing the same thing. as i was browsing i saw the cashier say to her colleague with a look of digust “look at them, walking around with their mouths open like a bunch of f*%kin zombies…animals” jaysus.

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    Mute Elbbit
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    Oct 30th 2012, 9:31 PM

    for those outside the capital…We have thousands of these zombies wandering the street. it amazing how they defy gravity and stay on there feet..while stringing a few words together takes them minutes….aaaaahhhhh heeeeerrrreeee buuuuud,leeeend uuuuuuussssss aaaaa feeeeewwww eeeeeeuuuurrrrrooooooooo

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    Mute Stewie Griffin
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:45 PM

    I have my axe and chainsaw ready. Bring it on you undead motherf***ers

    29
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    Mute Daniel R
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:35 PM

    There’s a zombie apocalypse at every bus stop/school/ workplace every Monday morn. B grand sure.

    26
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    Mute Paul Corrigan
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    Oct 30th 2012, 8:44 PM

    Half the passengers on red line LUAS have had this for years

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    Mute Brian Fitzpatrick
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    Oct 30th 2012, 6:47 PM

    Setup the cameras in the point village. Best location ever for a zombie movie!

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    Mute James Patrick Smith
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    Oct 31st 2012, 9:26 AM

    I see a lot of Zombies going around in pajamas lately actually I think the Zombies would have more brain power

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    Mute Tommy Omalley
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    Nov 2nd 2012, 1:16 PM

    Ive got an idea for when the zombies attack! We get the car drive to the Winchester get a cup of tea and wait for it to all just blow over

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    Mute George L Rockwell
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    Oct 31st 2012, 1:27 PM

    It’s not a question of IF but a question of WHEN

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