THE MIRROR
Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 1:14 PM
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SHOWBIZIRELAND/GETTY IMAGESLil Chris performs at the 2007 Childline concert at The Point theatre on January 28, 2007 in Dublin Ireland.
Lil' Chris has tragically passed away at the age of 24.
The Suffolk-born star — whose full name is Christopher James Hardman — was a singer-songwriter, actor and TV personality.
A Suffolk Police spokesperson confirmed to Mirror Celebs that they're investigating the sudden death of a man but are not treating it as suspicious.
In a statement, they added: "Officers received a call on Monday 23rd March at about 11.45am following the death of a 24 year old man. A postmortem examination is to take place in due course and an inquest will be opened."
Chris first found fame at 15 when he appeared in series two of Channel 4's Rock School. He went on to sign a record deal with major label RCA and released his debut single Checkin' It Out in September 2006. It reached number three in the UK Singles Chart.
Since news broke, family, friends and fans of the star began flooding Twitter with tributes.
His mum Karen Hardman shared a number of pictures of her son on Facebook today, and family and friends have since sent their condolences.
Friend Lloyd Wilkinson, who he recorded a single with, shared a heartbreaking post earlier today.
DAVE M. BENETT/GETTY IMAGESHardman aka Lil' Chris attends an after party following the press night performance of 'Loserville' at the National Cafe in October 2012 London. Police said he was reported dead on Monday.
"I cannot believe I'm doing this and I'm completely devastated. Rest in peace brother bear. Love you mate. Chris Hardman Aka Lil' Chris."
McBusted's Harry Judd wrote: "Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Lil' Chris. He supported us a while back and was a little star and an awesome guy. #RIPChris."
And Caroline Flack, who worked with him on Sam & Mark's TMi Friday, said: "Oh my god. Lil Chris. He was a regular guest on TMI. Always always such a polite lovely guy. That's so sad."
Back in December Chris wrote on Twitter: "I'm planning to come back again! Hopefully this time for a little longer! Keep sticking around for updates."
However, earlier this month, the musician admitted he was considering giving up his career as a singer.
He wrote: "Thinking about quitting music forever... there has to come a time eventually when I have to face reality. I'm just not good enough."
The star has previously been vocal about suffering with depression, mentioning the illness in two separate tweets last year.
DAVE M. BENETT/GETTY IMAGESHardman found fame at 15 when he appeared in series two of Channel 4's Rock School.
He said: "I hope to one day create a way out of depression that doesn't mean taking your own life. The Cure.
"Depression really sucks. Learning how to notice it can save lives and your own feelings at times. Take time to understand it, for everybody."
In a final post to his 25.5k Twitter followers sent on 18 March, he wrote: "Good morning everybody! Lovely day! Love you all x."
As well as Rock School, the 24-year-old also made TV appearances on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Dani's House and The Weakest Link.
Following the tragic death of Lil' Chris, Fiona Malcom, Samaritans' Deputy Chief Executive, said: "We are saddened to hear of the death of Chris Hardman (aka Lil' Chris) and our thoughts go out to his loved ones.
"If anyone has been affected by this news, or is struggling to cope, we would like to let people know that Samaritans is here for them if they need to talk.
"Samaritans is here round the clock, every single day of the year, to listen and offer confidential support when things are getting to you, by phone on 08457 90 90 90, email jo@samaritans.org or you can find the details of your local branch at www.samaritans.org."
