Big Brother star Sophia Brown dies (From Messenger Newspapers)

Big Brother star Sophia Brown dies

10:07am Friday 18th May 2012 in Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Former Big Brother contestant Sophia Brown has died aged 30, it has been confirmed.

Davina McCall led the tributes to the banking assistant, writing on Twitter: "That's really sad. My thoughts r with her family."

A spokesman for the family confirmed that Lupus-sufferer Sophia - who took part in the series in 2009 alongside Sophie Reade and Karly Ashworth - died from issues connected to her condition.

Many of her former housemates posted tributes on Twitter, with Sophie writing: "Devastated to hear the news about sophia, such an amazing lady and a pleasure to known her. Cant believe it #RIP."

Karly wrote: ""#RIP to Sophia Brown who was also on my series of Big Brother. Such sad news. My thoughts are with her family and friends. X"

Marcus Bentley, the voice of Big Brother, said: "Such very sad news about BB 10 housemate Sophia Brown - god bless Sophia xx"

Sophia was evicted from Big Brother after nine days in the house.