Former I’m A Celebrity stars including Helen Flanagan and Linda Robson have paid tribute to Eric Bristow, following his death at the age of 60.
The five-times darts World Champion passed away after suffering a heart attack.
Among the many who have paid tribute to the sporting icon are his former I’m A Celebrity campmates, who took to Twitter and TV to share their memories of the star.
Eric appeared on the 12th series of I’m A Celebrity in 2012, which was won by ex-EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks.
He finished in fourth place.
On Friday’s episode of Loose Women, former campmate Linda said: “I knew Eric from our teenage years.
“We used to drink in a pub, and then I didn’t see him for years and years until I went into the jungle and saw he was there and was quite pleased.”
“We argued quite a lot in there but I always gave as good as I got,” she recalled.
“It’s very sad. His son James was out there and he became good friends with my kids and they looked after him as he’d come out on his own.
“I was very sad to hear it. 60, it’s so young. I was very sad for his family.”
Read more: I’m A Celebrity star and darts legend Eric Bristow dies, aged 60
Coronation Street’s Helen tweeted: “Really sad to hear about Eric Bristow thoughts are with his family x.”
Boxer David Haye was also was among those who paid tribute to Eric on social media.
He tweeted: “So sad to hear darts legend & great guy, Eric Bristow passed away.
“I was fortunate to spend 3 weeks as his campmate living in the jungle, even on the toughest of days his dry sense of humour & quick wit truly made the trip memorable.
“A real gent, he’ll be missed by many. RIP x.”
Another former campmate, ex Made In Chelsea star Hugo Taylor, has also spoken out.
He tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear that Eric has left us. His immense sporting talent, humour & warmth will be missed.”
Former Doctor Who actor Colin Baker praised Eric for keeping him “sane and focused” during their stint in the Australian jungle.
He said: “So very sad to hear about Eric Bristow tonight. He kept me sane and focused in I’m a Celeb and was a funny, forthright no nonsense friend. My thoughts are with his family. I’ll miss him.”
Politician and author Nadine Dorries also shared her “shock” over Eric’s death.
She tweeted: “I am so utterly shocked and saddened that my jungle buddie Eric Bristow has died so suddenly this evening.
“We shared some lovely moments and laughed so much together. He was a legend in the darts world and loved by darts fans everywhere. His family will be devastated. RIP Eric x.”
Many I’m A Celebrity viewers have been remembering Eric as well, with some fondly sharing an old video showing I’m A Celeb co-host Ant McPartlin doing an impression of him.
One wrote: “So sad hear the news of the death of Eric Bristow absolutely a darts legend he was so amazing in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.”
Another said: “Rip Eric Bristow. A true darts legend and not forgetting a brilliant I’m A Celebrity contestant.”
As well as being a five-times World Champion, Eric also won five World Masters titles and four World Cup Singles titles.
The London-born star’s death was announced by the Professional Darts Corporation’s chairman Barry Hearn late on Thursday evening.
Barry tweeted: “Sad news. Eric Bristow passed away this evening. A maverick a legend and one of the main reasons Darts is loved by so many people. We shall not see his like again. RIP Eric.”
Eric was made an MBE in 1989.
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