Heavy D's friend Sandra Martin has revealed when she last spoke to the TV star after he went missing for a fortnight before his death.
The former Gogglebox regular said she had talked to him over Instagram on November 15 and he was in good spirits.
He passed away this week after his family hadn't heard from him in nearly two weeks, Mirror Online understands, but his cause of death is yet to be revealed.
Sandra told Mirror Online: "He never seemed upset. He was his daily laughing self with me.
"I always like and comment on his Instagram posts."
She added: "He was my celebrity best mate, we bounced off each other."
It comes after Sandra paid tribute to Heavy D on Twitter by sharing a picture of the two of them together.
Sandra wrote: "Can't believe Heavy D boom has passed away. I only spoke to him on Instagram supporting him and ting.
"He was a great friend to me and will be sadly missed big time.
"My condolence to family xx."
Heavy D, whose real name is Colin Newell, passed away this week after "going missing" for a fortnight, Mirror Online understands.
His brother Patrick Newell confirmed the sad news, saying he'd been desperately searching for Colin for two weeks before his death.
Colin had not been seen on social media since November 14.
The TV regular's neighbour has claimed he died of a suspected heart attack and he was found dead on his kitchen floor by his brothers.
