Ollie Aslin, a director and editor who worked on BBC's Gladiators as well as ITV's Britain's Got Talent, died on Tuesday June 23rd. The news was confirmed in a heartbreaking obituary which announced: "Ollie tragically passed away after a long and unforgiving illness. Predeceased by his mother Carol. Missed by Rory, Luke, and Robyn his three wonderful children who he loved so much. Also by Kate, his dad Roger, his big brother, Tom, niece and nephew Rosie and Noah and all his friends. His kindness, great humour and lust for life will long be remembered."

The notice also included a poignant quote from Sir Terry Pratchett's fantasy novel Reaper Man: "No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away." The Irish star worked as an editor on the latest season of Gladiators and amongst his other credits were Jay Blades' Home Fix, the Emmy winning 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy, Made in Chelsea, The X-Factor, Channel 4's Coach Trip and Celebrity Sabotage.

Tributes flooded in for the star from friends and former colleagues. Alongside a black and white image of him on Instagram Screen Ireland wrote: "Screen Ireland has been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Irish director and editor Ollie Aslin.

"Ollie was an immensely talented documentary filmmaker and editor, whose passion for the medium shone through his award-winning projects Castro’s Spies and I Dream in Photos. His loss will be felt by all in the Irish film industry. Our heartfelt condolences go to Ollie’s family and loved ones at this time."

In the official condolence book alongside his obituary a former workmate penned: "I had the pleasure of working with Ollie on several shows as an assistant editor during my time at Screen Scene. He was a wonderful mentor who advocated for me to edit on the show. He was always encouraging, patient, and quick to joke around and have a laugh even when we had a crazy deadline. He will be greatly missed."

A third person chimed in: "I'm so sad to hear of Ollie's passing. I assisted him on a few seasons of a show at the beginning of my career and he was just the kindest, most generous person. I always looked forward to working with him. He was full of good humour, super talented and always had something cool to teach me. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace."

A fourth shared: "I worked with Ollie 17 years ago and I never forgot him. His irrepressible humour and smile brightened up our Edit suite on what was a difficult job. So sad to hear of his passing. I’ll always remember you Ollie."

A fifth recalled: "Working with Ollie was always a treat. His twinkling eye, his ready smile... Ollie was not only a great editor and filmmaker, but a truly fantastic human being, kind and thoughtful. I am thinking of Ollie’s gorgeous family and remembering Mr Aslin. Much missed by me and, I know, everyone who was lucky enough to know him."

Meanwhile a sixth reflected: "Saddened to hear the passing of Ollie. When I was a runner in Egg, Ollie was always so kind, patient and was keen to share his knowledge of editing, all with a smile on his face, and with a great sense of humour. I was always so thankful for the time he gave me. Condolences to his family. Rest easy, Ollie."