Celebrity Big Brother star Colin Newell, also known as Heavy D, has died aged 43.

A friend of the reality star, Nick Nevern, confirmed the death on Twitter, writing, "I’m very shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of my friend @HeavyHeavyd.

"u lived ur life the way u wanted to & f**k anyone who didn’t like it! U always brought a smile to my face bro & lifted any room you where in. #RIPHeavyD."

No more details have been announced about the TV personality's death at this time.

Colin was a big Arsenal football fan and often appeared on the AFTV YouTube channel for football fans.

Since the announcement, AFTV have Tweeted about Colin in a post that read, "We are shocked to hear the sad news that Heavy D has passed away today.

"Our condolences go to his family at this very sad time. #RIPHeavyD."

Colin starred in the 2016 series of Celebrity Big Brother alongside stars including Lewis Bloor, Chloe Khan and Stephen Bear, the latter of which went on to win.

Colin was the fourth of the group to be evicted from the Big Brother house.

He is also known for a stint on Storage wars and Judge Rinder and, before his fame, worked as a cab driver and market salesman.

As of 2017, Colin has been a father to a little girl with his on/off girlfriend Bryony Harris.

In his 2018 appearance on Judge Rinder, Colin told viewers that, "Work had dried up.

"I came out of Big Brother. I thought there was going to be loads of work. My agent couldn’t get me any work and the work just dried up."

He was active on social media up until 14 November.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.