Model and singer Nick Kamen, who was considered a protege of Madonna, has died at the age of 59, a friend of his family has confirmed to the PA news agency.
It is understood he died on Tuesday night after a long illness.
Kamen, who was born in Harlow, Essex, first came to public attention when he appeared on the front of The Face magazine in 1984 wearing a ski hat, lipstick and aviator sunglasses.
The next year he starred in an advertisement for Levi’s in which he stripped down to wash his blue jeans in a public launderette and waited in his boxer shorts.
He launched a career in pop music in 1986 with the number five hit Each Time You Break My Heart from his eponymous debut album.
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After contacting him, Madonna signed on to produce and sing backing vocals on the track.
Kamen’s second single, Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever, a cover of the Four Tops’ 1966 hit, was less successful but reached number 16.
Boy George was among those paying tribute. He wrote on Instagram: “R.I.P to the most beautiful and sweetest man Nick Kamen!”
Actress Susie Cave shared a photo of Kamen on her Instagram Stories and wrote: “RIP Nick Kamen my sweet friend.”