Big Brother star Ben Duncan has died at the age of 45 after falling from a rooftop bar in London's West End. The Metropolitan Police were called to the Trafalgar St James hotel following reports of a man on the roof, but Duncan is believed to have fallen before officers arrived.
Duncan, who appeared on the eleventh series of Big Brother in 2010, died on 30 October. He was a friend of Prince William from their university days and part of the inner circle when William began dating Kate Middleton. Speaking in 2010, Duncan revealed he knew the couple would get together, noting that royal protection officers were present during their early relationship.
Fellow Big Brother contestant Josie Gibson paid tribute on Instagram, writing: 'My heart goes out to Ben and his Family. I love you Ben... one of the most unique, hilariously funny, dry whitted guys I know.' Gibson won the series, while Duncan was evicted on day 52.
Beyond Big Brother, Duncan appeared on Come Dine With Me and Celebrity Coach Trip. He also counted Lord Peter Mandelson, Michael Portillo and designer Nicky Haslam among his friends. Broadcaster Mike Hollingsworth paid tribute on Facebook, describing Duncan as 'Peter Pan - the boy who never grew up' and adding that he will be 'sorely missed' by his many friends.
