Music producer David Gest dies in London, friend confirms

The former Celebrity Big Brother star was married to Minnelli from 2002 until 2003, but they only officially divorced in 2007.

He was also known for being a close friend of the late Michael Jackson.

The TV personality gained a following in the United Kingdom recently when he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother earlier in the year.

Friend Imad Handi said: "It is with great sadness that I can confirm that David Gest has died today.

"David was truly larger than life. He was not just a huge talent and a dear friend but a showbiz icon.

"I know he will be missed by millions of fans around the world, and particularly in Britain, who came to love his charm and blistering one-liners.

"If I may steal the words of one eminent critic, David was a natural star and a genuine celebrity. I will miss him desperately."

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Police were called at 10.17am on Tuesday, April 12 to the Four Seasons hotel, in Westferry Circus, E14, to reports of an unexplained death of a man in his 60s.

"London Ambulance Service were called to the scene. Life was pronounced extinct at the hotel.

"A post-mortem will be held in due course. Next of kin are in the process of being informed."

Gest was due to tour the United Kingdom in a musical show called David Gest Is Not Dead, But Alive With Soul, starting in York on July 1.

The name was inspired by an incident in the Celebrity Big Brother House when American reality star Tiffany Pollard mistakenly believed Gest had died rather than David Bowie.

Christopher Maloney, who spent time in the Celebrity Big Brother house with Gest, tweeted his condolences, writing: "OMG just found out my great friend @DavidGest2016 has sadly past away. My thoughts are with your family at this time. RIP David x"

Television presenter Lizzie Cundy wrote on Twitter: "I'm devastated to hear the sad news my dear friend David Gest has died . He was a loyal dear friend to me and he will be so sadly missed."