X Factor Favourite Big Tony Adkins Passes Away Aged 64
A well-known figure in the entertainment industry, Big Tony Adkins, a bodyguard who worked closely with Simon Cowell on The X Factor for eight years, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. According to a report from The Sun, Tony Adkins, affectionately known as Big Tony, died on Easter Sunday while on a rugby tour.
The news of his passing was confirmed by a family member on social media, who shared a photo of Tony and wrote: "It is with great sadness my family would like to announce that my Cousin Big Tony, Simon Cowell’s ex bodyguard, passed away on Easter Sunday while on a Rugby Tour. He was a loveable Rogue and will be missed very much, RIP Big T." The post was reported by The Sun.
Hammersmith and Fulham RFC, the rugby club Tony was associated with, also paid tribute to him with a statement on its website. The statement read: "It is with immense sadness that the club pays tribute to a true gent and great Hammer, Tony Adkins, who passed away whilst on tour with the Club in Poland on Easter Sunday." This was also reported by The Sun.
During his time on The X Factor, Tony was often seen dealing with upset contestants, having to remove them from the audition room when things didn’t go their way. After his stint with Simon Cowell and the show came to an end, Tony shared some insights into what his former famous boss is really like. In an interview with the Mirror, as reported by The Sun, Tony revealed: "Simon was so laid-back and a very nice guy. He was generous, too. Whenever the show finished – and at Christmas – you’d get an envelope as a thank you. The last one I got had £700 stuffed in it."
Tony also shared some interesting habits of Simon Cowell’s, saying: "He’s a very private person. He doesn’t give much away. You never see him drunk or out of control. Simon is vain – he does his hair all the time. If there are five breaks in filming then Simon will do his hair five times." He added: "And I think he has about 20 identical T-shirts. I remember once he had a hole in one, so he just reached into a bag and pulled out another from a big pile." These quotes were originally published in The Sun.
Tony Adkins was a well-respected figure in the entertainment industry, and his passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes. As reported by The Sun, his legacy will live on through the many people he worked with and the contestants he helped during his time on The X Factor.
The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of a great individual, and our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time. As The Sun reported, Tony’s contributions to the show will not be forgotten.
In a career spanning several years, Tony Adkins worked closely with Simon Cowell, protecting him and ensuring his safety during public appearances. His dedication and professionalism earned him the respect of his peers and the celebrities he worked with. According to The Sun, his passing leaves a void in the entertainment industry that will be difficult to fill.
