A Harry Potter and X Factor star has tragically passed away at the age of 64.
Tony Adkins, the bodyguard who worked closely with Simon Cowell on The X Factor, has died at the age of 64.
The late man’s family confirmed that he passed away on Easter Sunday while on a rugby tour in Poland.
In a heartfelt tribute posted to social media, his cousin wrote: “It is with great sadness my family would like to announce that my Cousin Big Tony, Simon Cowell’s ex-bodyguard, passed away,” cited by daily mail. “He was a loveable Rogue and will be missed very much, RIP Big T.”
Hammersmith and Fulham RFC, the rugby club he had been part of for decades, also honored his memory in a lengthy Facebook post.
“It is with immense sadness that Hammersmith & Fulham RFC pays tribute to a true gent and great Hammer, Tony Adkins, who passed away on Easter Sunday whilst on tour with the Club in Poland,” the club wrote.
Adkins had joined the club more than 40 years ago, and remained an active and enthusiastic member for decades, even pulling on his boots well into the 2000s.
“Tony was, at heart, a touring Hammer, and he liked nothing more than taking the Hammers brand of Rugby beyond the boundaries of London,” they continued. “He represented the club all over Britain and Europe.
“While his loss is hard to bear, it brings some comfort to those that knew him that he passed while doing what he loved – touring with the boys,” the club concluded.
Outside of rugby, Adkins found a second life in the spotlight, working as a bodyguard on The X Factor and Pop Idol for eight years.
Known for his formidable presence and bald head, Adkins was frequently tasked with removing contestants who got out of hand during auditions.
In a 2009 interview with the mirror Adkins spoke warmly of Simon Cowell. “Simon was so laid-back and a very nice guy,” he said. “He was generous, too. Whenever the show finished – and at Christmas – you’d get an envelope as a thank you. The last one I got had £700 stuffed in it.”
He described the 65-year-old as “a very private person,” and shared a story about his generosity: “One year we were in Belfast for the auditions and Simon saw a homeless man with a dog sitting in the street, so he went up to him and gave him £50,” The independent.
He also had kind words for Cowell’s fellow judges: “Louis goes around saying, ‘Hello, hello, hello,’ all the time, always up for a laugh. Cheryl’s pleasant, and Dannii’s really laid-back and will talk to anyone.”
Adkins eventually left The X Factor in 2009 when a three-man security team replaced him as part of a production overhaul. Despite the change, he said he had no hard feelings and continued to enjoy watching the show.
In addition to his work in television, he appeared in a small role as a giant in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011).
Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.
