X Factor group G4 heartbreakingly announced the death of their bandmate and friend Ben Thapa on Monday with many tributes to the star flooding in from beloved fans.
At the time of their X Factor audition, Thapa, 42, was part of the line-up with bandmates Jon Ansell, Matt Stiff, and Mike Christie - the group was originally a barbershop quartet who met at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, which inspired their name - Guildhall 4.
Following their success in the singing competition and securing a £1.5million record deal with Sony, they disbanded in 2007, citing disagreements between members.
However, their love and passion for music saw them reunite in 2014 to mark their 10th anniversary, and performed a number of concerts across the country before releasing a new album for Christmas 2015.
On Monday, the group announced the death of Thapa on their official G4 Instagram account and penned alongside a montage of images of their friend: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother and great friend, Ben Thapa. Words cannot express how we all feel right now…
"We understand that this will be heartbreaking news for so many others too and we send you our love and support as we all remember the amazing man and the memories that he has left behind.
"Ben has been such a major part of the international singing community and he was a critical part of our journey as a group. Thank you for your love at this difficult time.
"RIP Ben xxxx."
Artist management company Steven Swales added on their website: "We are hugely sad to announce the death, after a short illness, of Ben Thapa. It was a huge privilege to know and work with him.
"Ben was well known for his performances in oratorio, opera, and as a member of the vocal group G4. He will be missed by so many, and we send our thoughts to his family, friends, and colleagues."
G4 finished second on X Factor back in 2001
PA
Fans of the star were quick to send their condolences to the group along with Thapa's family, with one fan commenting: "Absolutely heartbreaking. I have been following his posts here. Sending love to you all. He will always be in my thoughts."
"A complete shock and utterly heartbreaking for everyone who knew him. Love to you all. RIP Ben," another expressed before a third penned: "Such an awful loss. Thoughts with all of you right now."
Someone else said: "You will always remain in our hearts. Thank you for all the beautiful moments you gave us and for all the music of the heart."
"So so sorry to hear such sad news. Sending love to you all," a fifth stated before another added: "I’m so so sorry to hear this news. What an awful shock. Thinking of you all." (sic)
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Ben Thapa recently revealed to his fans he was in hospital going through dialysis
The circumstances surrounding Thapa's death are currently unknown, but the star was in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital one week ago, having shared a photo on his own Instagram page of a dialysis machine.
He posted a selfie from a hospital bed after a procedure with the caption: "Emergency nephrostomy done… hopefully the start of better things to come! #peeinabag." (sic)
