Tributes have been paid to Mick Norcross, who appeared in The Only Way Is Essex, following his death aged 57.
The businessman, who rose to fame as the owner of the Sugar Hut nightclub on the ITV series, died on Thursday afternoon at his home in Bulphan, Essex.
He first appeared on Towie in 2011 during the show's second series - and his son Kirk, 32, was part of the original cast.
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Following the tragic news, fans and friends took to social media to share their memories of 'Mr Sugarhut'.
One wrote: "So sad to hear this news. Mick and his sister Karen were so lovely and generous to my late mum, and arranged a special visit to the Sugar Hut for her years ago as a surprise as she battled cancer.
"Sending lots of love and thoughts to the family. What a great man."
Gemma Collins, 39, shared a photo of them together on Instagram, writing: "ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN. absolutely shocked and saddened by the news. my thoughts and prayers are going out to Kirk family and friends absolutely tragic.
"The memories of the early days the sugar hut and the wonderful filming parties you put on will never be forgotten. you never know what someone is going through you was one of the good guys."
The pair briefly dated during their time on the show.
A second fan said: "I am heartbroken, my thoughts and prayers are with your family Mick .
"You were so very much loved and were the heart and soul of every night at the Sugar Hut. Amazing memories with you always made everyone smile around you. You are missed already."
James Argent, 33, said on Twitter: "A true gentleman & a very kind man! RIP Mick. Many amazing memories, So Sad! My thoughts are with his family."
And a third fan wrote: I can not believe what I have read. I am in utter shock! RIP Mick Norcross, been a fan of TOWIE for so many years and this has made me incredibly sad.
"My thoughts and love go out to his beautiful family at this terrible time."
Mick's Sugar Hut club confirmed the news on its official Twitter account with a statement that said: "So sad to hear the news today of the passing of Mr Sugarhut @micky-norcross.
"A very talented, friendly and fun guy, who made a huge mark on Brentwood.
"A true Essex legend who will be sorely missed, our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time."
Essex Police said in a statement: "We were called to an address in Brentwood Road, Bulphan shortly before 3.15pm on Thursday 21 January. Sadly, a man inside was pronounced dead.
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"His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
Mick was introduced to Towie as the owner of the Sugar Hut nightclub, the site of many of the programme's famous arguments between cast members.
He left the show in 2013 saying the venue's prominent place in the show had damaged its brand.
