American producer and television personality David Gest has sadly passed away today at a London hotel in what the police are saying were not suspicious circumstances.
A statement was released this afternoon by his close friend Imad Handi confirming Gest's death;
"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 statement from the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were called at 10:17hrs on Tuesday 12 April to the Four Seasons hotel, in Westferry Circus, E14, to reports of an unexplained death of a man in his 60s."
Going on to say; "A post-mortem will be held in due course. Next of kin are in the process of being informed."
Born in Los Angeles, Gest was close friends with Michael Jackson, with his 2001 documentary celebrating the singer's 30th anniversary of his solo career becoming the highest rated in history.
Gest also famously married Liza Minelli in 2002, although they separated in 2003.
He was most recently seen on the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother, although he chose to leave the house after thirteen days due to ill health, while he was also fourth runner-up in the 2006 series of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!
