The news was confirmed by family and close friends over the weekend, who described the loss as both shocking and deeply personal.

Tributes have since begun to pour in — from sports clubs, colleagues in the entertainment industry, and loved ones — all painting a picture of a man who left a lasting impression both on and off the screen.

It has now been revealed that the person who passed was a long-time figure behind the scenes of The X Factor, working closely with Simon Cowell for nearly a decade. Known affectionately as “Big Tony,” Tony Adkins died on Easter Sunday while on a rugby tour.

Tony served as Cowell’s bodyguard for years and also made an unexpected appearance in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two, playing a giant.

His cousin shared the heartbreaking news with a tribute online: “It is with great sadness my family would like to announce that my cousin Big Tony… passed away on Easter Sunday while on a Rugby Tour.”