Jake Hall, actor from 'The Only Way Is Essex', dies aged 35

The star, model and former footballer from The Only Way Is Essex dies in Spain.

Jake Hall was best known for his role in The Only Way Is Essex, the British reality series that for years served as a launchpad for young media talent in the United Kingdom. His death at 35, confirmed by people close to him while he was in Spain, triggered a wave of condolences on social media from former cast members and his community of followers.

Before his television career, Hall had a spell in semi-professional football, which gave him a wider audience than the TV format alone. In recent years he had also worked as a model and entrepreneur, diversifying his public profile beyond the programme that made him famous.

His death occurred at an age when the natural expectation was that his career was still in full development. The British entertainment community mourned the loss of someone who had built a genuine presence both on and off screen.