The Only Way Is Essex star Amy Childs has said that the show will "definitely" address the death of Mick Norcross in the next series.

The businessman was found dead at his home last month, with a preliminary inquest last week revealing that the 57-year-old had died by hanging, seemingly having decided to take his own life.

Norcross was one of the original stars of the ITVBe reality show alongside Childs when it launched in 2010 and she thinks it is a certainty that he will be honoured when it returns.

"I think Mick's death will definitely be featured on the next series somehow," she told The Sun. "He was a big part of the show when it started.

"And when you think of TOWIE you think of Sugar Hut, and when you think of Sugar Hut you think of Mick, so they will definitely do something, 100%."

Asked how she reacted to the news, Childs added: "I was in total shock. Everyone is in total shock. I couldn't believe it. You would never have expected it from Mick.

"I still can't really believe it. He was honestly the loveliest of guys. I know people always say that, but he really was."

The show is expected to return for a new series later this spring.