Piers Morgan holds back tears as he pays tribute to BGT comedian Ian Royce

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PIERS Morgan held back tears on Good Morning Britain today as he paid an emotional tribute to Britain’s Got Talent comedian Ian Royce.

Ian‘s daughter Roxanna announced the tragic news on Twitter last night saying her dad passed away aged 51, after being the beloved warm-up act for various ITV shows for 13 years.

Piers Morgan holds back tears as he pays tribute to Life Stories comedian Ian Royce after his death

The news of Ian’s untimely passing was evident on Piers’ face today as he remembered “Roycey” and his incredible talent.

Piers, 55, told viewers: “Very sad news I heard from his daughter Roxanne, probably the most famous person you may not have heard of, but he was famous in the industry.

“He was the best funniest warm up guy there was. Such a thankless task in so many ways. Roycey was the best I’ve ever worked with he did BGT, he did the American one when I went over there. He did almost every one of my Life Story shows.

“He was funny, he had a lot of demons which if you’d followed him on Twitter you will know. But he had a zest for life, he was a hilariously funny guy and he also had a great love for his daughter Roxanne who let me know yesterday.”

Ian Royce would introduce Piers to the audience on Life Stories
Ian was praised by ITV presenters Piers Morgan, and Richard Arnold today

GMB showbiz reporter Richard Arnold also shared his memories of Ian, adding: “He was incredibly warm spirited and if you were just a guest on one of these shows he always made you feel like the star, like your name was above the door in lights.”

Nodding, Piers continued: “He used to come out on every single Life Stories and I’d be standing wanting to listen to his set, and he’d always say at the end ‘ladies and gentlemen, Piers Morgan, big M small Organ’.”

The presenter concluded: “He’ll be greatly missed by everyone in this business. I’ll miss him. Roycey, thanks for all the laughs.”

Ian was the beloved warm-up act for the ITV series, and last October he revealed that Ant and Dec and Simon Cowell had paid for him to go to rehab to combat his alcohol addiction.

Ian has tragically passed away, his family confirmed

The star’s family announced the sad news on Ian’s Twitter page last night, writing: “It is with our greatest regret that we have to tell you all that Ian has passed away today from severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure.

“He was in no pain and was surrounded by friends and family. He put up a good fight but is in a better place now.”

Ant and Dec, Amanda Holden, Myleene Klass and Rylan Clark-Neal were among the stars who paid tribute last night.

Ian had last tweeted a week ago and appeared in high spirits as he challenged Ashley Banjo to a dance off after it was confirmed he’d be stepping in for injured Simon Cowell on the BGT judging panel.

He wrote to his 68,000 followers on 24th August: “@AshleyBanjo to sit in for @SimonCowell…

Ian challenged Ashley Banjo to a dance off just over a week ago

Ian was a BGT icon

“Amazing choice…

“Get well soon @SimonCowell and go @AshleyBanjo …. Dance off??”

Last year, the hype-man bravely admitted that he was battling alcoholism, with a friend creating a GoFundMe page to raise £20,000 for him to check into rehab facility The Priory.

In a video, Ian, who had admitted considering taking his own life in the fundraising bio, said: “Please, please, please give me some hope.”

Ian bravely opened up about his alcoholism battle last year

BGT hosts Ant and Dec each donated £2,500, with Simon Cowell and Robbie Williams also among the donors.

Ian confirmed he’d be completing a 28-day programme in October last year, writing: “To rehab I do go… Thank you so much to everyone for your help…

“Pucker up @PrioryGroup I’m on my way.”

He also thanked his celebrity friends for their support – claiming that they had “saved his life”.

He wrote at the time: “I am so grateful to so many for saving my life….. Thank you so much everyone and my amazing girlfriend xx @SimonCowell @antanddec @robbiewilliams @ollyofficial thank you for a light…..”