X-factor legend and Simon Cowell's former bodyguard at the age of 64

Tony Adkins, better known as Simon Cowell's bodyguard “Big Tony” The X factor And Pop -idoldied at the age of 64, his family has confirmed.

His death was announced on social media, with an explanation being announced that Adkins died on a rugby tour in Poland on Easter Sunday.

In a post wrote his cousin: “With great sadness, my family would like to tell that my cousin 'Big Tony', Simon Cowell's ex-bodyguard, died on Easter Sunday during a rugby tour. He was a lovable rogue and will be very missing, Rip Big T.”.

Hammersmith and Fulham RFC wrote in a separate tribute: “With great sadness, the club honors a real gene and a large hammer, Tony Adkins, who died on tour with the club in Poland on Easter Sunday.”

The article continued: “Tony was a Touring hammer in the heart, and he liked nothing more than the Hammers Rugby brand beyond the borders of London.

“While his loss is difficult to endure, it brings those who knew him he knew while doing what he loved – killing what he loved.”

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Adkins, who had an impressive presence and an unmistakable bare head, was often asked to remove X-factor Candidates who became Rowdy or angry during the auditions.

In a 2009 interview with The mirror, Adkins, who worked with Cowell for eight years, praised the music mogul.

“Simon was so relaxed and a very nice guy,” he said.

“He was also generous. Whenever the show was finished – and for Christmas – you would get an envelope as a thank you. The last thing I had had had £ 700.

“We were in Belfast for the auditions for a year and Simon saw a homeless with a dog on the street, so he went to him and gave him £ 50 … He is a very private person. He doesn't give up much. They never see him drunk or out of control.”

Adkins was also full of warm words for the co -funnel Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue and Cheryl. “Louis goes around and says:” Hello, hello, hello “, always to laugh. Cheryl is pleasant and Dannii is really relaxed and will talk to anyone,” he added.

Adkins time in The X factor ended in 2009 when he was replaced by a three-man security team as part of a show revamp. He insisted that he had no hard feelings about his departure and still saw the show.

Elsewhere, Adkins had a small role as a giant in Harry Potter and the sanctuaries of death: Part 2 (2011).