Pete Burns had been due to give live TV interview on Monday

An ITV source told The Sun Online: "Pete Burns was no longer available for this date and as with live television, guests are subject to change."

Pete's management confirmed the tragic news of his passing on Twitter.

They wrote: "It is with the greatest sadness that we have to break the tragic news that our beloved Pete Burns of Dead Or Alive, died suddenly yesterday of a massive cardiac arrest. All of his family and friends are devastated by the loss of our special star. He was a true visionary, a beautiful talented soul, and he will be missed by all who loved and appreciated everything he was and all of the wonderful memories the has left is with.

"We have no more words, we will make a further statement when we have had a chance to come to terms with our devastating loss. He will live forever in our memories. Sending you all our love. X Lynne, Michael, Steve X (sic)"

The singer/songwriter founded the band Dead or Alive in 1980 and went on to achieve pop success with 'You Spin Me Round', a track he worked on alongside the famous music trio Stock, Aitken and Waterman.

In his later years, he was known for appearing on various reality shows including 'Celebrity Big Brother' and was last seen on 'Celebrity Botched Bodies', where he discussed having had over 300 cosmetic procedures.

Tributes to the singer have flooded in on social media, with his friend Boy George left "tearful".

He tweeted: "Tearful about the passing of @PeteBurnsICON he was one of our great true eccentrics and such a big part of my life! Wow. Hard to believe!"

Sinitta added: "Rest in Peace @PeteBurnsICON we had some laughs and some tears over the years .you were a sensitive soul and will be missed x (sic)"

'Celebrity Big Brother' housemates past and present have also taken to social media to post tributes to the singer/songwriter, who appeared on the show in 2006.

George Galloway wrote: "Sad to hear of the demise of Pete Burns. He was a cross between Oscar Wilde and Dorothy Parker. You don't get more brilliant than that. RIP."

Samuel Preston added: "Heartbroken to hear about Pete Burns. He was a true punk rocker and one of the kindest hearts I've ever know. Gutted."

Whilst Nikki Grahame shared: "Ah what said news about Pete Burns.. A true Big Brother legend! Thank you for the laughs and the tunes X (sic)"