X Factor's Big Tony, former bodyguard to Simon Cowell, passes away, aged 64

His heartbroken family have confirmed the death of the gentle giant

X Factor legend Tony Adkins, affectionately known as Big Tony, tragically passed away at the age of 64 on Easter Sunday while on a rugby tour. His death was confirmed by a family member via social media.

Alongside a photograph of Tony, his cousin uploaded a heartfelt message: "It is with great sadness my family would like to announce that my Cousin Big Tony, Simon Cowell's ex bodyguard, passed away on Easter Sunday while on a Rugby Tour. He was a loveable Rogue and will be missed very much, RIP Big T."

Hammersmith and Fulham RFC also paid homage to Tony on their official website, stating: "It is with immense sadness that the club pays tribute to a true gent and great Hammer, Tony Adkins, who passed away whilst on tour with the Club in Poland on Easter Sunday."

Whenever trouble stirred or emotions ran high during The X Factor auditions, bodyguard Tony would often be called upon to escort overly rowdy or distressed contestants out of the audition rooms.

Tony once shared insights about his tenure working alongside Simon with the Mirror, recounting: "Simon was so laid-back and a very nice guy. He was generous, too. Whenever the show finished - and at Christmas - you'd get an envelope as a thank you. The last one I got had £700 stuffed in it.", reports the Mirror.

Reflecting further on Simon Cowell's character, Tony remarked: "He's a very private person. He doesn't give much away. You never see him drunk or out of control. Simon is vain - he does his hair all the time.

"If there are five breaks in filming then Simon will do his hair five times. And I think he has about 20 identical T-shirts. I remember once he had a hole in one, so he just reached into a bag and pulled out another from a big pile."

He also shared insights about the other judges, including Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole.

"Louis goes around saying, 'Hello, hello hello,' all the time, always up for a laugh. Cheryl's pleasant, and Dannii's really laid-back and will talk to anyone," he said. "All the judges used to get along but they'd wind each other up, too.

"If Simon thought Louis was being mean about an auditionee he'd say, 'Louis, go and apologise,' but Louis would refuse. So Simon would ask him again to say sorry but Louis would just say no.

"And they'd just carry on like that, winding each other up. But they were really good friends."