Mick Norcross, former The Only Way Is Essex star, dies aged 57

The nightclub owner and former reality TV star Mick Norcross has died suddenly aged 57.

Norcross, the former owner of a Brentwood nightclub who was a cast member of ITV’s The Only Way Is Essex, died on Thursday afternoon. Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

Norcross – whose son Kirk was also a cast member – left the programme in 2013. The reality show had often filmed at his Sugar Hut venue. He sold the club in 2019 and was also a property developer.

Current and former stars of the show, as well as other celebrities, posted tributes to Norcross, with Gemma Collins sharing a picture of the two together on Instagram and saying he was “always a gentleman”.

“You never know what someone is going through,” she added. “You was one of the good guys.”

In a tweet, the boxing promoter Eddie Hearn described Norcross as “a gentleman”.

The TV chef James Martin said: “I have just heard the awful news of Michael Norcross … a true gentleman, who I had the pleasure to meet and spend evenings with over the years … so sad and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”

Norcross’s Sugar Hut club confirmed the news on its official Twitter account with a statement that said: “So sad to hear the news today of the passing of Mr Sugarhut Micky Norcross. A very talented, friendly and fun guy, who made a huge mark on Brentwood.

“A true Essex legend who will be sorely missed, our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.”

Shortly before his death, Norcross tweeted: “At the end remind yourself that you did the best you could.”

• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.