X Factor legend and Simon Cowell's close pal dies as family share heartbreak
X Factor legend Tony Adkins, affectionately known as Big Tony, passed away at the age of 64 on Easter Sunday during a rugby tour. A family member broke the sad news on social media.
Posting a photo of Tony, his cousin shared: "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."
Hammersmith and Fulham RFC paid their respects to Tony on their official website, stating: "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."
Tony spent eight years protecting Simon Cowell from irate talent-show rejects.
Tony was the go-to man to calm things down or escort people out when tensions ran high during The X Factor auditions, reports the Mirror.
After his stint on the show, Tony spoke candidly about his time working closely with Simon.
He once recounted to the Mirror: "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 remarked: "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."
Praising Simon, he added: "If there are five breaks in filming then Simon will do his hair five times. 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."
Of the other judges, Tony revealed: "Louis goes around saying, 'Hello, hello hello,' all the time, always up for a laugh. Cheryl's pleasant, and Dannii's really laid-back and will talk to anyone".
Although the judges generally got along, the former bodyguard did reveal that they enjoyed teasing each other. He said: "All the judges used to get on but they'd wind each other up, too."
Tony continued: "If Simon thought Louis was being mean about an auditionee he'd say, 'Louis, go and apologise,' but Louis would refuse. So Simon would ask him again to say sorry but Louis would just say no."
Their friendly banter was not just limited to their TV appearances, as the judges' relationships continued off screen as well.
He also discussed their interactions, adding: "And they'd just carry on like that, winding each other up. But they were really good friends."
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