Britain's Got Talent and X Factor bodyguard legend Tony Adkins has died at the age of 64.
Adkins, who has been described as a 'loveable rogue' had worked closely with the Britain's Got Talent judging team and was a close personal friend of Simon Cowell.
His cousin shared a heartfelt message and an image online: "It is with great sadness my family would like to announce that my Cousin Big Tony, Simon Cowell's ex bodyguard, passed away on Easter Sunday while on a Rugby Tour.
"He was a loveable Rogue and will be missed very much, RIP Big T."
Tony Adkins, who was known as a bodyguard on the ITV series, has died
PA
Also paying tribute was Hammersmith and Fulham RFC who shared a tribute to Tony on its website.
A spokesman said: "It is with immense sadness that the club pays tribute to a true gent and great Hammer, Tony Adkins, who passed away whilst on tour with the Club in Poland on Easter Sunday."
Adkins became known for working closely with Simon Cowell, joining TV judge’s team during the first series of Pop Idol in 2001.
He was known for often jumping in when scenes in the auditions became heated, escorting contestants from the room away from the judges.
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Tony Adkins has died at the age of 64
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In an interview in 2009, he reflected on his time working on The X Factor alongside Cowell, praising the music mogul.
He told the Mirror: "Simon was so laid-back and a very nice guy.
"He was generous, too. Whenever the show finished - and at Christmas - you'd get an envelope as a thank you. The last one I got had £700 stuffed in it.
"One year we were in Belfast for the auditions and Simon saw a homeless man with a dog sitting in the street, so he went up to him and gave him £50...He's a very private person. He doesn't give much away. You never see him drunk or out of control."
He also discussed the other judges, including Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole.
Adkins told The Mirror: "Louis goes around saying, 'Hello, hello hello,' all the time, always up for a laugh. Cheryl's pleasant, and Dannii's really laid-back and will talk to anyone," he revealed.
"All the judges used to get on but they'd wind each other up, too."
