It has been announced that X-Factor star Ben Thapa, 42, has died as emotional tributes are paid to the operatic G4 star as his bandmates come together to release a heartbreaking statement

Tragic X-Factor star Ben Thapa has died aged 42, devastated band G4 have announced.

Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff, who all reached Number One in the UK charts back in 2005 alongside their friend, spoke of their sorrow as they issued a heartbreaking statement.