UPDATE: Eastbourne Theatres' tribute to David Gest, who has died aged 62

The BBC report that a statement was released on Tuesday afternoon (April 12) confirming the showbiz icon had died.

He visited Eastbourne last week to speak to local media at the Grand Hotel ahead of a musical production due to take place at the Congress Theatre in July.

Chris Jordan, Eastbourne Theatres’ artistic director, said, “We are all so dreadfully sad to hear this awful news, David came to Eastbourne just last week for a press afternoon at The Grand Hotel where he spoke with local journalists; he was as enigmatic and entertaining as we hoped he would be and we were really looking forward to working with him.

“To hear of his passing is just awful and we are so terribly sad for his family and friends. At this moment we are unsure as to whether the soul show will go ahead but will make a statement in due course.”

The reality show star, who had appeared in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and had been married to Liza Minnelli.

He is believed to have passed away at the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Wharf, London.

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