BREAKING NEWS: Channel 4's Rock School star Lil' Chris Hardman dies, aged 24
The 24-year-old actor, singer and TV personality reportedly died on Monday
Suffolk police said that Hardman's death is not being treated as suspicious
The young star had previously been vocal about suffering with depression
McBusted and Caroline Flack among celebrities paying tribute to the star
Lil' Chris of Channel 4 Rock School fame has died.
The 24-year old actor, singer and TV personality, who real name is Chris Hardman, reportedly died on Monday, months before he was planning a pop comeback.
Suffolk Police told the BBC that Hardman's death would not be treated as suspicious.
Passed on: 'Lil Chris' Hardman of Channel 4 Rock School fame has died aged 24
A spokeswoman said officers arrived to an address in Lowestoft, at around 11:45am to reports that a man had died suddenly.
A post-mortem examination is due to take place to determine the cause of death.
Hardman's Loserville director, Elliot Davis, said he suffered from depression.
'He was a super talented guy, so naturally gifted,' Davis told WhatsOnStage.
'He just had something that the nation saw and it catapulted him to early fame, which perhaps caused problems.'
The star has previously been vocal about suffering with depression, mentioning the illness in two separate tweets last year.
He said: 'I hope to one day create a way out of depression that doesn't mean taking your own life. The Cure.
Tragic: Police have said that the young singer's death is not being treated as suspicious
'Depression really sucks. Learning how to notice it can save lives and your own feelings at times. Take time to understand it, for everybody.'
Hardman first found fame on the reality TV show Rock School, aged 15, where Gene Simmons prepares classically trained prep-school students to be rock stars.
In 2006 he released his debut album after signing a deal with RCA, and went on to host his own talk show Everybody Loves Lil' Chris on Channel 4.
In Loserville, which premiered at West Yorkshire Playhouse in summer 2012 before transferring to the West End's Garrick Theatre, he played Francis Weir.
Hardman first found fame on the reality TV show Rock School, aged 15, where Gene Simmons prepared classically trained prep-school students to be rock stars
According to the Daily Mirror, Chris's mother Karen Hardman posted a number of photos of her late son on Facebook to confirm the news.
His close friend Lloyd Wilkinson paid his respects on Facebook: 'I can not believe I'm doing this and I'm completely devastated. Rest in peace brother bear. Love you mate. Chris Hardman Aka Lil' Chris.'
After news of his death emerged, tributes flooded in for the young singer from fellow celebrities.
Last selfie: Chris posted a picture to Twitter on March 11 asking fans whether he should cut his hair
Shocked: Caroline Flack tweeted her condolences on Tuesday, calling him a 'polite lovely guy'
Caroline Flack posted: 'Oh my god . Lil Chris . He was a regular guest on TMI. Always always such a polite lovely guy . That's so sad.'
McBusted's Harry Judd tweeted: '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'
Dynamo tweeted: 'RIP Chris Hardman aka lil Chris :( only 24 years old so sad!'
Children's TV presenter Mark Rhodes wrote: 'Can't believe the sad news about lil Chris. We worked with him a few years ago and he was a lovely young lad..taken too soon. Mark #ripchris'
Old friends: Presenter Mark Rhodes shared his sadness, calling him a 'lovely young lad'
The X Factor's Luke Friend tweeted: 'Such sad news, my childhood wouldn't be the same without this great man @CJHardman thoughts go out to friends and family'
While Tom from Stereo Kicks wrote: 'Only just heard the news. So saddened and shocked RIP @CJHardman proud to have known you. Class act. Hope you can find happiness - Tom xxx'
The news of his death comes less than four months after he revealed he was planning a comeback to music, having not released an album since 2008's 'What's It All About'.
In December he 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 troubled 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.'
, an English singer and television personality, died on Monday, police reported that day. The 24-year-old Chris Hardman was found dead at an address in , .  said they were not treating it as a suspicious death. Hardman came to fame as Lil' Chris after appearing on the Channel 4 reality television show ''''. 

Rock School in 2006 featured a student rock band that  frontman  created. Hardman was chosen to be the bands lead singer by Simmons. Speaking to '''', Simmons paid tribute to Hardman. He said "Lil Chris was a kind, little soul. I will greatly miss his smile and his spirit. I knew there was something special about him as soon as I met him".

More tributes came from other celebrities.  band member  paid tribute to Hardman on ; he posted alongside a photograph of him, "So sad to hear about Lil Chris. He was such a genuinely sweet and funny guy, we had some awesome times. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends." Boxer  praised him as a "super-talented kid"; Ogogo and Hardman both went to Kirkley High School.

Hardman's most successful hit was '''', his debut single in 2006, which made it to number three on the . He released his last album in 2008 but had recently announced plans of a musical comeback on Twitter. 

Prior to his death Hardman had spoken about his battle with depression on Twitter. He once tweeted "Depression really sucks. Learning how to notice it can save lives and your own feelings at times. Take time to understand it, for everybody." Since his death has been announced the suicide helpline charity  have released a statement. They said "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."


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