Hollyoaks actor and ex-member of boyband Blue Duncan James has written a touching tribute to his best friend Tara Palmer Tomkinson.
The socialite-turn-reality-TV star sadly passed away in her London home at the age of 45 earlier this week.
She was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2016 after coming back from a skiing holiday.
Tara and Duncan met on kid's TV show CD
Duncan wrote: "Tara has been my best friend since I got into the industry.
"When I watched her on I'm A Celebrity I just knew she was somebody that I would love as a friend because of her infectious personality and cheekiness."
He also said how they'd had a brief conversation backstage where he'd told her "how great she was on the show."
Their friendship started with Tara's natural cheekiness: "Backstage she slipped me – in true Tara fashion – her phone number written in eyeliner pen on a scrappy piece of paper, thrusting it into my hand so no-one else could see."
He praised his friend, saying: "Tara had a cheeky, naughty, mischievous side that I loved. She would always make me smile and laugh in ways that nobody else could.
"She really was the brightest light to be around and had this warmth around her that could lift the spirits of everyone around and we became the best of friends."
The heartbreaking tribute was published to The Sun last night. He even shared a video that Tara had made for him to celebrate their friendship, only three months before she died.
The singer-turned-actor explained how the speculation over their relationship made the pair laugh - with Tara suggesting marriage to Duncan countless times throughout their relationship.
He fondly wrote: "No matter what Tara did, I always did believe she would be fine and that is why it is such a shock to me that she is gone."
"She had an energy about her that was simply amazing. I have so many fond memories from all the holidays we shared together, countless nights out in wonderful restaurants.
"I will treasure all of those moments as some of the best times of my life."
Duncan wasn't the only celebrity to pay tribute to Tara after she passed away. Countless others posted their sorrow on Twitter, and Holly Willoughby shared memories of her friendship with the "It Girl" on This Morning yesterday.
She said: "She had an incredible energy. I was also lucky enough to know Tara, she was a very close friend of mine. She just had that special energy about her. She was just so funny and incredibly kind. She was very generous with her time but with her spirit, also."
RIP, TPT ❤️
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