Lil' Chris killed himself after struggling with pressures of fame

Updated

The family of TV star and singer Lil' Chris have spoken of his struggle with fame and determination to overcome depression after a coroner ruled he took his own life.

The 24-year-old pop star, real name Chris Hardman, died on March 23 last year after being found hanging. He had struggled with depression.

An inquest into his death in Bury St Edmunds heard the 24-year-old star - who rose to fame at the age of 15 in the 2006 Channel 4 series Rock School - had been in contact with mental health services throughout his career.

He had told friends that the pressures of fame had exacerbated feelings of paranoia and anxiety.

Returning his conclusion, Suffolk coroner Peter Dean said: "Clearly he was a very talented young man who found fame at an early age.

"Sadly that fame also brought with it difficulties and problems but he had shown a desire to relaunch that career once more."

His sister Hannah Hardman, who attended the hearing with their parents Ian and Karen Hardman, said afterwards that he had been determined to overcome his difficulties and highlight prevalence of mental illness among young men.

She added: "He had an amazing experience as a singer and celebrity and it is difficult to regret a moment of that.

"Nobody who knew him would have a bad word to say - he was the funniest, most lovely practical joker you could ever meet.

"But at the same time it was very difficult for him and he spoke very openly about his depression.

"The one thing we would like to take away from this tragedy is to get people speaking more openly about mental illness.

"Unfortunately it is something that society cannot yet cure but by talking about it we can hopefully help people in a similar situation.

"I know that is what he wanted."

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