David Gest has been praised as a "beautiful soul" following his sudden death.

David Gest

David Gest

Fellow 'Celebrity Big Brother' star Danniella Westbrook paid tribute to the music producer, who was found dead in a London hotel on Tuesday (12.04.16), and called him a father figure.

She told Mirror Online: "David Gest was a beautiful soul and I will miss him dearly.

"David was like a father to me in the 'CBB' House, he told me I should be proud of who I am, and that I was Danniella Westbrook and that was ok!

"He gave me strength everyday, he got me and I will never forget him. A shining star who will live in my heart forever."

Other 'CBB' stars took to social media to share their shock and grief, with Megan McKenna writing: "I can't believe the news I've just received we've lost an amazing man my thoughts go out to David Gest's family I'm so lucky I had the [chance]...to meet and get to know him for the short time that I did I'll always remember your funny stories I'll miss you David xxx (sic)."

Stephanie Davis added: "Is this a joke? Shocked. So sad.

"What an amazing man and a pleasure to have had times with u me and jezz gutted! Love u always. amazing person heartbroken devastated X

"My heart is broken. Grandad has gone. We made plans and im gutted I won't see you again (sic)."

'CBB' winner Scotty T wrote: "Can't believe your gone RIP David Gest. What a beautiful human xxxx (sic)" and Christopher Maloney added: "OMG just found out my great friend DavidGest2016 has sadly past away. My thoughts are with your family at this time. RIP David x (sic)."

Metropolitan Police and the London Ambulance Service rushed to the hotel in London's Canary Wharf mid-morning after they received a call reporting a lifeless man in his 60s at the complex.

David was pronounced dead at the scene.

The death is being described as "unexplained" but not suspicious and a post-mortem will be held in due course.

David was the producer behind the 2001 'Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special' and married Liza Minnelli in 2002 before splitting less than 18 months later.

His sudden death comes just three months before he was due to kick off his UK tour of his show 'David Gest Is Not Dead But Alive With Soul', due to start in York in July.

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