A familiar face from one of television’s most iconic talent shows has sadly passed away at the age of 64.

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.