'A fun, feisty woman who battled many demons': Piers Morgan and 'heartbroken' Duncan James lead a host of celebrity tributes to Tara Palmer-Tomkinson as she dies aged 45

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Piers Morgan and Duncan James have led a host of celebrity tributes to Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, following her shocking death at the age of 45.

Taking to Twitter, Piers wrote: 'RIP Tara Palmer Tomkinson, 45. A fun, feisty woman who battled many demons. Very sad news.'

The socialite - who counted a host of famous famous in her social circles - was found in her London flat on, months after revealing she'd been battling a brain tumour.

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'A fun, feisty woman who battled many demons': Piers Morgan leads a host of celebrity tributes to Tara Palmer-Tomkinson following the news she has died aged 45

Her best friend Duncan James also wrote: 'Heartbroken and numb I have lost one of my oldest and dearest friends. I'm going to miss ur laughter the most shmooey . Rip sweetheart.'

The former It girl revealed to the Daily Mail in November she had been receiving treatment for a non-malignant growth in her pituitary gland.

Police were called to her flat near Earl's Court shortly before 2pm on Wednesday and found the former model dead. Her family have been informed.

Sad: Taking to Twitter, the television presenter shared the tragic news with his followers  

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have said they are 'deeply saddened and our thoughts are so much with the family'.  

A host of other celebrities also took to social media to pay their respects to Tara.

Grant Harrold, aide to Royals & former Butler to TRH Princes Charles, William & Henry also paid his respects. 

He wrote: 'I am deeply shocked & saddened to hear Tara Palmer-Tomkinson has died. I was lucky enough to have met her and know her family. A lovely Lady.' 

Firm friends: Piers and Tara have been pals for years - [pictured together at the 2004 Pride of Britain Awards

Tara's former I'm A Celeb co-star Darren Day wrote: 'I'm so sad to hear that Tara Palmer-Tomkinson has passed away. Thoughts and love to her family RIP Tara x.'

Tony Blackburn, who also competed on the same season of the show, wrote on the micro-blogging site: 'Very sad news about Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. She was such a sweet person and Taken too soon. R.I.P.'

Actor Colin Salmon shared his memories of meeting her several years ago when he was a rising star, writing that he 'will never forget her kindness at my first "posh" do. She was so gracious & made me feel so welcome. RIP sweet lady.'

British singer Boy George expressed his sadness in reaction to the shocking news as he wrote: 'Sorry we have lost Tara. R.I.P. She was a sweet complicated soul!' 

Best pal: Duncan James also wrote: 'Heartbroken and numb I have lost one of my oldest and dearest friends. I'm going to miss ur laughter the most shmooey . Rip sweetheart'

Holly Willoughby took to her Instagram account to share a shot of herself smiling alongside Tara at an event, captioning the image of happier times:  'Will miss your kindness, beautiful lady.'

TV hosting duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly - better known as Ant and Dec -  stated on their account: 'So very sad to hear of the passing of TP-T. She was a true one off with a huge, generous heart. Our thoughts are with her family.'

Former EastEnders star Dean Gaffney wrote: 'RIP Tara-Palmer Tomkinson so so sad!'

Meanwhile, comedian and television star Dom Joly simply stated: 'Tara Palmer-Tomkinson dead.'

Fashion expert Gok Wan also joined the chorus of celebrity voices on Twitter as he said: 'So sad to hear of TPT passing away. So young...' 

Heartbroken: Tara's former I'm A Celeb co-star Darren Day wrote: 'I'm so sad to hear that Tara Palmer-Tomkinson has passed away. Thoughts and love to her family RIP Tara x.'

Reality star Chloe Goodman also wrote: 'Absolutely shocked RIP Tara Palmer-Tomkinson such a beautiful woman x so young so heartbreaking #riptara.' 

Shoe designer Patrick Cox penned: ‘Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. Hadn't seen you in a while… Will always remember your birthday at Tramps when you made your entrance in a bikini and fur coat… A legendary Londoner. #tarapalmertomkinson’. 

Tara’s The Jump co-star and author Henry Conway wrote: ‘Very sad news about #tarapalmertomkinson - she always rocked out the ski gear, here with us on season 1 of #thejump - my condolences to her family.’ 

Musician Brian McFadden wrote: 'RIP TPT very sad news. You were a real character and will be sadly missed xx,' while Rufus Hound exclaimed: 'Bl**dy hell. TPT. An icon of nineties hedonism. What a shame.' 

Touching: Grant Harrold, aide to Royals & former Butler to TRH Princes Charles, William & Henry also paid his respects

Memories: Celebrities shared their memories of the late Tara, who touched the lives of many

Singer Alexandra Burke wrote: What a sad day. RIP TPT. I will never forget how warm and loving you were every time I saw you. Such a beautiful soul. Sad sad news...' 

Former CBB star Heavy D added: 'Really sad news about TPT dying today, way too young!!' 

Big Brother personality Jamie East shared a throwback image of Tara wearing a white bikini and a snorkel mask while attending a party as he wrote: 'They don't make 'em like they used to. #tpt'

Actor and director Nick Nevern appeared shocked as he took to Twitter to write: 'No way... Rip TPT... the original IT girl'  

Reminiscing: Holly Willoughby took to Instagram to share a shot of herself with Tara

Paying tribute: A host of other celebrities took to Twitter to express their shock 

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Police were called by London Ambulance Service at approximately 13:40hrs on Wednesday February 8 to an address in Bramham Gardens, SW5. 

'A woman, aged in her 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. At this early stage, the death is being treated as unexplained.

'We are not treating this death as suspicious. The coroner has been informed and the next of kin has been informed.'

Three months ago, the socialite told the Daily Mail how she feared she was going to die when doctors revealed she had a brain tumour. 

The former 'It girl' had received treatment for the non-malignant growth in her pituitary gland since January 2016 and said at the time that it had cleared.

She told the Mail in November: 'I went to the doctors to talk about my latest blood test results when I got back from skiing in January. I said: 'What does this mean? Can you translate it?' And the doctor said: 'As I suspected, you have a brain tumour'.

'I got terribly frightened. I started thinking, I'm going to die, I'm going to die. I've only got a couple of weeks to live. Stuff like that.' 

Taking a moment: Big Brother personality Jamie East shared a throwback snap of Tara