Inquest into death of Suffolk singer Lil' Chris

Former Rock School star Lil Chris called mental health services for help on the day of his death, an inquest heard today.

Chris Hardman was found dead at his home in Lowestoft last March at the age of just 24.

The singer had been receiving treatment for depression and had spoken openly about struggling with his mental health after his music career failed to live up to its early promise.

His family said they hoped their tragedy would encourage more openness about the condition.

Serena Sandhu reports.

The family of Suffolk singer Lil Chris has called for better education around mental health.

As an inquest today concluded the 24-year-old, whose real name was Chris Hardman, had taken his own life, his sister Hannah Hardman said she hoped something positive could come from his death.

She said her brother had always been very open about his history of depression.

A former child star from Suffolk killed himself after fame at an early age brought "pain and problems", a coroner has said.

Chris Hardman died on March 23 last year. He was found hanged at his home in Union Road in Lowestoft.

The 24-year-old found fame as Lil Chris in the Channel 4 show Rock School and earned a record contract and a top five hit. But he later struggled with depression.

Today an inquest into his death concluded he had taken his own life.

The inquest into the death of Suffolk singer Lil Chris is due to be held today.

The 24 year old reality TV star was found dead at his home in Lowestoft last March. He had struggled with depression.

The 24 year old, who's real name was Chris Hardman, shot to fame 10 years ago in the Channel 4 programme Rock School.

The inquest is due to be held in Bury St Edmunds.

An inquest into the death of Chris Hardman has found he died by hanging.

The Inquest into the death of Suffolk singer Lil' Chris is due to open today.

The 24 year old, who's real name was Chris Hardman, shot to fame 10 years ago in the Channel 4 programme Rock School.

His body was found in Lowestoft last month.

The family of Lil' Chris have paid tribute to the Suffolk singer who was found dead last week.

24 year old Chris Hardman was found dead at a property in Lowestoft last Monday.

He became famous after he starred in the Channel 4 series Rock School when he was a pupil at Kirkley High in Lowestoft. He went on to have a successful solo career.

McBusted drummer Harry Judd has hailed his friend Lil' Chris as an "amazing guy" and "talented kid" following news of the Suffolk singer's death.

The 24-year-old from Lowestoft was found dead in the town on Monday morning.

Officers are not treating the death as suspicious.

McBusted recently performed a song in tribute to the singer because he used to support their former band McFly.

Now, Harry Judd has been sharing his memories of their time together.

Click below to hear the interview with Harry Judd

More: McBusted perform emotional Lil' Chris tribute