David Gest, TV celebrity and music producer, dies

The reality TV star and music producer David Gest has died in London at the age of 62, his friend Imad Handi said in a statement.

Gest appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in January but left the house for medical reasons. Viewers saw Gest take to his bed as Big Brother informed the audience he was under the weather.

Gest was married to Liza Minnelli from 2002-03, but they only officially divorced in 2007. He was also known for being a close friend of the late Michael Jackson.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.

A Metropolitan police spokesman said officers went to the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Wharf, east London, at around 10.15am on Tuesday after receiving reports of an unexplained death. London Ambulance Service staff also attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.