Reality TV star Colin Newell – best known by the nickname Heavy D – has died at the age of 43.

Heavy D first rose to prominence as one of the buyers on the UK version of Storage Wars in 2014, where he earned the nickname “The Boominator”.

He then went on to appear in Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, sharing the house with Saira Khan, Samantha Fox, Grant Bovey and eventual winner Stephen Bear.

Reports of his death first began circulating on Wednesday afternoon, after a friend tweeted: “I’m very shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of my friend @HeavyHeavyD.

“U lived ur life the way u wanted to & fuck anyone who didn’t like it! U always brought a smile to my face bro & lifted any room you where in. #RIPHeavyD”

His agent later confirmed the news to The Sun, telling the newspaper: “Medics are investigating the exact cause of death.

“Colin was an absolute pleasure to work with it. He was a friendly guy who had time for everybody… he will be missed by those who loved him. We ask the public to respect the privacy of the family at this time.”

The reality TV star was also a devoted Arsenal football fan, and regularly appeared on the channel ArsenalFanTV.

They paid their own tribute following the news of his death on Wednesday, writing: “We are shocked to hear the sad news that Heavy D has passed away today. Our condolences go to his family at this very sad time.”