The Only Way is Essex stars Joey Essex and his sister Frankie have been left heartbroken following the death of their uncle. The reality TV star took to Instagram to share a series of pictures in memory of his uncle, 'Big Greg Essex,' with an emotional statement attached.

The 35-year-old former I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! star shared: "Big Greg, you were one of a kind. The best uncle to me and brother to my dad. A family man that anyone would dream of. We will all miss you so much. Rest in peace, mate. Love you forever." His older sister Frankie also shared a tribute on her social media, writing: "Forever our Big G..."

She continued: "Greg, your love for family and friends was the strongest there ever was. If someone was lucky enough to meet you, it felt like they'd known you their whole life.

"I'm so grateful for the time we had, for the memories, for the laughs and especially for you. A true Bermondsey boy!!! Millwall supporter through and through, a man who travelled the world and lived it fully.

"You had the best wife, daughter and granddaughter, your girls, and we promise they will always be looked after.

"We love you, baby. We miss you so much, Big Greg Essex, unforgettable x."

The siblings' former TOWIE co-stars were quick to share their condolences on Instagram, with Billie Shepherd posting: "Sending lots of love to you all."

James Bennewith, better known by fans as Diags, added: "Legend of a man, always had the most positive energy, always made you feel welcome, RIP Greg."

Frankie and Joey have dealt with a lot of grief in their life, having been raised by their father after their mother took her own life when they were young. Joey was just 10 years old, and Frankie was 13 at the time.

Joey bravely opened up about his mother, Tina's, death in the BBC documentary called Joey Essex: Grief and Me. He's also an ambassador for Child Bereavement UK, helping other grieving children.