MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 03:55:58| >> :600:132394551:132394551:

Beloved ITV warm-up guy Ian Royce dies, aged 51

Ian Royce, warm-up comedian for ITV shows including Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor, dies at the age of 51.

Stars of ITV have been paying tribute to audience warm-up man Ian Royce following his death at the age of 51.

The comedian was the go-to man of choice for Simon Cowell's shows, including The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, as well as ITV series including Dancing On Ice, Family Fortunes and Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.

Last year Royce entered rehab for alcohol addiction but passed away on Tuesday from multiple organ failure and pneumonia.

A statement from his daughter Roxanne read: "It is with our greatest regret that we have to tell you all that Ian has passed away today from severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure. He was in no pain and was surrounded by friends and family. He put up a good fight but is in a better place now. Roxanne x"

Piers Morgan posted on Twitter: "RIP Ian 'Roycey' Royce. Funniest warm-up man in showbiz and a legend in the TV industry. Worked with him on ⁦@BGT⁩, ⁦@AGT⁩ & most of my Life Stories shows. Great guy, very loyal friend, & such a proud dad to his daughter Roxanne. Thanks for all the laughs mate."

Ant and Dec said: "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. X"

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Cowell's firm Syco said: "Our thoughts and love are with Roycey's family at this extremely difficult time."

ID:412588: cacheID:412588:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2505:

Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.

Media Mole Black Friday Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £19 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends December 3, 2024

Restore Data
Share this article now:
Dancing On Ice judge Ashley Banjo
Read Next:
Ashley Banjo to replace Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent
>
rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Sunday, November 24


Strictly Come Dancing: The Results: BBC One, 7.20pm
Seven become six as one couple misses out on next week's Musicals Week

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!: ITV1, 9pm
One week in - how are our campmates faring?

Queen Camilla: The Wicked Stepmother?: Channel 4, 9pm
The story of the rise of Camilla from one of the most hated women in Britain to national treasure

Dolly Parton: In Her Own Words: Channel 5, 9pm
First shown in 2023, a look back at Dolly's career, as told by the woman herself