BGT star Ian Royce’s daughter Roxanne says dad would be ‘pleased’ with the ‘lovely messages’ shared after his death
IAN Royce’s daughter says her dad would have been “pleased” to see the “lovely messages and stories” shared since his death. The beloved comic touched hearts as the warm up act for many ITV shows including Britain’s Got Talent, and his untimely passing sparked a rush of people posting happy tales about ‘Roycey’ online. The […]
IAN Royce’s daughter says her dad would have been “pleased” to see the “lovely messages and stories” shared since his death.
The beloved comic touched hearts as the warm up act for many ITV shows including Britain’s Got Talent, and his untimely passing sparked a rush of people posting happy tales about ‘Roycey’ online.
The outpouring of warm memories brought Roxanne comfort, as she wrote on Twitter last night: “I cannot thank everyone enough for all of their lovely messages and stories. It has been amazing to be able to read them all and get to know my dad through your eyes – my dad would have been ever so pleased. Roxanne x”
Roxanne was again flooded with heartwarming stories and tweets beneath the post, with a fan who knew Ian writing: “He was incredibly proud of you, and despite his talent, that was the main thing that stood out to me about him. Your Dad was loved, and was so generous and down to earth in connecting with people. Love x”
Another of Ian’s fans wrote: “Your dad gave nothing but love & positivity on here- it’s a shame he’s not here to see everyone giving it back 
Hope you’re as well as can be. He was always talking about his Roxy”
One more declared: “Roxanne your dad was a top bloke. Always looked after us and made us feel welcome. He always spoke proudly about you. My dad was really upset at your news. He sat telling me some stories about the cruises they were on. He will be sadly missed xx”
Celebrities were among those who shared their fond memories of Ian, including Piers Morgan, Ant & Dec, Ben Shephard and Amanda Holden.
Piers shared on Good Morning Britain: “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.”
Ben Shephard also paid his respects, writing on Twitter: “Roxanne I’m so so sorry to hear this – I had too many wonderful hilarious times with him, he was one of the best at what he did, a great mate and gave the BEST hugs ever.”
Rylan Clark-Neal revealed that Ian had been his “shoulder to cry on” during his stint on The X Factor, telling fans: “Always a shoulder to cry on when I was on X Factor.
“A gentleman and a gentle soul. Gutted you’ve gone too soon. We will miss laughing with you. RIP Roycey x”
He also shared a tweet Ian had written him, where he’d referred to himself as “Uncle Roycey”.
Myleene Klass was also touched by the news, remembering Ian as she wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear this news Roxanne.
“He was extremely kind, loving and supportive to me and my girls. I will raise a glass tonight to this extraordinarily talented, kindhearted, loyal man.”
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.”
Ant and Dec each donated £2,500, with Simon Cowell and Robbie Williams also among the donors.
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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…..”