Presenter Vernon Kay has spoken of his heartbreak after losing his friend suddenly last week.
The telly personality, 48, paid tribute to Ian Trevor, who was known to his loved ones as ‘Big Ian’, who had been in his life for more than a quarter of a century.
Paddock character and security manager for Formula E Ian had grown close to Vernon early on in his career and the pair had remained firm friends since.
The father-of-two expressed his devastation in a moving post on his Instagram on Monday after the sudden passing of Ian at the age of 61 last week.
Vernon, who is married to fellow telly favourite Tess Daly, shared a moving tribute to his late friend alongside a picture of the two of them together.
He wrote: "I’m absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of my friend Ian.
"Ian was the close protection for all the @fiaformulae family but for me much more…Ian was the guy who looked after me when I was scouted by @selectmodellondon in Dec96’ at the ClothesShowLive.
"26yrs ago. We had a tight bond that’s unique with friends. Ian you’ll be greatly missed. Sending my love to his family. RIP."
Friends of Ian commented their shared devastation under the post with motorsports presenter Nicki Shields writing: "Devastating. He loved you Vern. Every time I’d chat with Big Ian, the 2nd thing he would ask without fail… ‘Nick, is Vern here yet?’
"A true legend with the most infectious smile and positive energy. He will leave a huge hole in the paddock."
Another motorsports friend and colleague wrote: "We only had couple conversations in the paddock last season but he was a truly lovely bloke. I'm gutted."
While a second added: "I knew Ian from when working with him at nightclubs when he was doing security, he was always a true gent and would do anything for anyone. I wasn’t expecting to see this today and I’m currently in shock."
Another echoed the sentiment, writing: : “No! Such sad news. What a gentle giant and a very funny and caring personality. He will be sorely missed by all. RIP."
One wrote that they would miss his “bear hugs”, penning: "I can't believe it, such a huge loss for us all, I'll miss his bear hugs."
Another wrote: "A true legend with the most infectious smile and positive energy. He will leave a huge hole in the paddock."
