X Factor and G4 star Ben Thapa dies at 42 as bandmates pay tribute
It has been announced that X-Factor star Ben Thapa, 42, has died as emotional tributes are paid to the operatic G4 star as his bandmates come together to release a heartbreaking statement
X-Factor star Ben Thapa has died aged 42, devastated band G4 have announced.
Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Matt Stiff, who all reached Number One in the UK charts back in 2005 alongside their friend, spoke of their sorrow as they issued a heartbreaking statement.
It is not yet clear how he died as tributes pour in for the "great friend and amazing man" following the shock news. Ben, who left the group in 2018 but continued with his music career, was hoping to perform alongside them again.
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G4 posted two pictures of the singer on Instagram, writing: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother and great friend, Ben Thapa.
"Words cannot express how we all feel right now… We understand that this will be heartbreaking news for so many others too and we send you our love and support as we all remember the amazing man and memories that he has left behind.
"Ben has been such a major part of the international singing community and he was a critical part of our journey as a group. Thank you for your love at this difficult time. RIP Ben xxxx."
Fans rushed to offer their condolences. One wrote: "Such a shock. Such a nice guy too. Thoughts are with all who knew him." Another said: "A complete shock and utterly heartbreaking for everyone who knew him. Love to you all. RIP Ben x"
Known for their operatic take on pop songs, G4 narrowly missed out on winning The X Factor in 2004. Jonathan, Matthew, and Ben were offered a music deal by Sony after the show, despite not winning.
In 2005, the band released a self-titled debut album and topped the UK charts. Their second album, G4 & Friends, hit the charts at number six. In 2007, after the release of their third album, that the group announced on GMTV that they would be splitting.
The split was down to internal rows, reportedly. In 2014, the band reunited but Matthew wasn't present – replaced by Nick Ashby instead. The band have since remained united and do regular gigs and album releases.
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