A BIG Brother star who went to university with Prince William has tragically died aged 45 after falling “100ft from the rooftop” of a London hotel.
Ben Duncan – who appeared as a contestant in Season 11 of the popular reality TV show – sadly passed away on Thursday.
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After Big Brother, he appeared on Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me and Celebrity Coach TripCredit: Rex
Ben appeared on season 11 of the popular showCredit: Alamy
The star died after falling seven floors from the rooftop bar of the Trafalgar St. James hotel, cops said.
Cops were called to the luxury five star hotel after receiving reports of a “man on the roof”.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Officers responded to concerns for a man on the roof of a building in Cockspur Street, Westminster at 23:02 hours on Thursday, 30 October.
“The man sadly fell from height. Despite the best efforts from the London Ambulance service, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
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“His death is unexpected but non-suspicious”.
After leaving the Big Brother house, Ben – who was reportedly pals with Prince William – went on to star in other popular reality shows.
He was at St Andrews university with William and Kate when they first started dating.
Ben was reportedly part of the royal couple’s inner circle before he went on to star in reality shows.
He is said to have been present for the renowned moment Kate dazzled in a university fashion show, capturing the Prince of Wales‘ attention.
Ben previously said: “It was the end of their first year. I was there, and in person there were a lot of attractive girls.
“She was in a very daring dress, in a sheer stocking-like dress. He was sitting front row and his eyes were like stalks.
“She brushed by him on the way to the catwalk and things were never the same again – the whole history of the monarchy had been altered.”
In November 2010 Ben recounted being at university with the budding royal couple, remembering royal protection officers being present during his time at university.
He appeared on Australia’s Ladette to Lady, as well as Channel 4’s Come Dine With Me and Celebrity Coach Trip.
Ben said he would do whatever he could to avoid a nine to five jobCredit: Alamy
Ben, who was evicted from the Big Brother House admitted he didn’t know much about the showCredit: Alamy
Ben was also interviewed during the broadcast of Prince William and Princess Kate’s wedding in 2011, where he gave his opinions on the event.
He became popular on the show after admitting he would do whatever it took to avoid doing a nine to five job.
Speaking on entering the famous house, Ben claimed he did not know a huge amount about the show.
He joked he had not told his family or friends about applying for fear of being judged.
And when asked if he could take one luxury item into the house, he quipped it would be a competent hairdresser and stylist.
But he did not always see eye-to-eye with his fellow contestants, and he received at least one nomination against him every week in the house.
Speaking to Digital Spy about his stint on the show, he said: “I did make comments, but we are under pressure and you do become snappy.
“The Marios and John Jameses have tantrums and explode. I’m pretty laidback and not like that, but I have a very sarcastic sense of humour.
“I’ve been brought up to be quite sarcastic and that can come across as b****y. If they hurt people’s feelings then I regret that.”
Ben was joined by ITV star Josie Gibson, who eventually went on to win the show.
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She became the biggest breakout star from the season, with her warm presenting skills cementing her as a favourite on This Morning.
Her romance with John James Parton may have fizzled out, but the couple followed up with their own spin-off show, There’s Something About Josie.
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Ben Duncan appeared as a contestant in Season 11 of the popular reality TV showCredit: Refer to Source
