Lil' Chris's family praise young singer who wanted to help others struggling with mental illnesses

The singer, 24, was found dead in his Suffolk home last Monday

(Piers Allardyce/REX)

Lil’ Chris’s relatives have said that the singer, who was found dead last week, suffered from mental health issues and depression.

The family of the 24-year-old singer, real name Christopher James Hardman, praised the “hugely creative” young man and said the star wanted to help others suffering from mental health issues.

Lil’ Chris, who first came to public attention in Channel 4’s Rock School after being made lead singer of the Kirkley High school band by Gene Simmons, was found dead in his home town of Lowestoft, Suffolk last Monday.

In a statement released today, his family said he was “a huge personality who will be missed by everyone who knew him”.

Hardman in 2006, singing at the International Balloon Fiesta in Bristol (Getty Images)

“He was the sunshine on a rainy day, and could make friends the minute he walked into a room, making everyone smile with his gorgeous, cheeky face,” they said in the statement.

After his appearance on Rock School, Lil’ Chris was offered a solo deal and enjoyed a top five hit with ‘Checkin’ It Out’ in 2006, later appearing in stage musicals. He was planning to relaunch his career this year.

On his Twitter account, the singer had posted messages about struggling with his mental health, vowing to one find a “cure” for his illness.

Today, his family confirmed his struggle with depression, adding: “He was committed to helping others find better ways of overcoming this illness and publicly said he wished to find a cure.”

Lil’ Chris’s family said his funeral would be invite-only and that those attending had been asked to wear the singer’s favourite colour, green.

Suffolk Police have confirmed they are not treating his death as suspicious.