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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Kate McMullin

Mick Norcross: Life of Sugar Hut boss, TOWIE star and family man

The sudden death of Mick Norcross shocked and devastated friends, family and fans this week.

The 57-year-old was found dead by Essex Police on January 21, shortly before 3.15pm.

In a statement Essex Police said: "We were called to an address in Brentwood Road, Bulphan.

"Sadly, a man inside was pronounced dead. His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

Tragically Mick had sent out a heart-wrenching final tweet, hours before his death, which read: "At the end remind yourself that you did the best you could. And that is good enough" - reports Mirror Online.

Since his death tributes have poured in from the celebrity world and many stars from the TOWIE cast past and present have paid their respects.

Here we take a look at who Mick Norcross was and his rise to fame as a reality star and businessman.

Who is Mick Norcross?

Mick Norcross was a British celebrity, businessman and TV personality who was born in Brentwood, Essex on May 11, 1963.

He rose to fame as the owner of the Sugar Hut nightclub on the ITV series, The Only Way Is Essex.

Mick Norcross had a close relationship with son Kirkand the dad and son both appeared on ITV show TOWIE (ITV)

The dad had four children including well known TOWIE star Kirk Norcross and was also a grandad to Kirk's children Harry and Violett- according to the Mirror.

He had been dating former Sugar Hut Honey Samantha Keahey for several years before his death.

Sugar Hut

Mick was once the owner of popular nightclub Sugar Hut, located in Brentwood, Essex.

The club was popular with footballers and TV stars and appeared many times on the hit ITV show TOWIE.

The Sugar Hut nightclub in Brentwood, Essex. Photo credit: Ian West/PA Wire (PA)

It is understood he sold the club back in 2019.

In a post on the Sugar Hut Essex Twitter page the business tweeted: "So sad to hear the news today of the passing of Mr Sugarhut @micknorcross

"A very talented, friendly and fun guy, who made a huge mark on Brentwood.

A bouquet of flowers left at the doors of the Sugar Hut nightclub in Brentwood, Essex, after the death of businessman Mick Norcross, 57. Photo credit: Ian West/PA Wire (PA)

"A true Essex legend who will be sorely missed, our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.

"RIP Mick."

The Only Way Is Essex - TOWIE

Mick joined the cast of TOWIE in 2010 along with son Kirk, and the dad and son soon became firm favourites.

The dad starred in 53 TOWIE episodes and despite his decision to leave the hit show just three years later, Mick managed to create strong bonds with fellow Essex stars.

His storylines on the show had focused on his close relationship with his son Kirk Norcross and his romantic interests in Chloe Sims, Gemma Collins, and Maria Fowler.

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Mick also found love with former Sugar Hut Honey Samantha Keahey, who went on to be business administrator of the brand.

He would often star on the show alongside his son Kirk took a step back from the limelight to follow in his dad's business footsteps.

He runs KN Jet Services, a jet-washing and drain-unblocking company based in Essex.

He cleans bin rooms, car parks, patios, driveways, windows and more - and often posts pictures of himself in his van or jetwashing - Essex live reports.

Life after TOWIE

Mick Norcross had been working on restoring an iconic Essex seaside hotel after his TOWIE fame reports the Mirror.

He had worked as a property developer with his company 460 Leisure Ltd on restoring the The Grand Hotel in Leigh-On-Sea in Essex.

Speaking to the Leigh Times in January last year, devoted grandfather Mick revealed that the restoration project was coming in more than £1m over budget.

Tributes to Mick Norcross

Following the death of the businessman hundreds of people who knew Mick, including members of the TOWIE cast paid tribute to him with messages of condolence on social media.

TOWIE's Mario Falcone said he was "Shocked and heartbroken".

His former co-star James Argent penned a poignant tribute, writing: "A true gentleman & a very kind man! RIP Mick. Many amazing memories, So Sad! My thoughts are with his family."

Gemma Collins, who Mick dated while he was on the show, also paid tribute.

James Argent and Gemma Collins led tributes to Mick Norcross following his tragic death (PA)

She wrote: "ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN absolutely shocked and saddened by the news my thoughts and prayers are going out to Kirk family and friends absolutely tragic#ripmicknorcross 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"

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Jess Wright - who, along with brother Mark were also firm favourites on the show - expressed her sadness: "Terribly, terribly sad. Always such a gentleman and so kind. Devastated for him and his family.

"Sending love to them at this time. RIP Mick."

Meanwhile Bobby Norris opted to share a deep quote in light of the tragic news, which read: "Just a reminder in case your mind is playing tricks on you today.

"You matter. You're important. You're loved. And your presence on this earth makes a difference whether you see it or not."

Elliot Wright, who also appeared on the show, replied to Mick's final tweet, sent just hours before his death, with a broken heart emoji.

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