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.

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

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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:

• Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

• 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)

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