American entertainer and producer David Gest has been found dead in a hotel room in London.

The 62-year-old’s death was confirmed today in a statement released by a friend after an ambulance was called to the Four Seasons Hotel in Canary Wharf.

Mr Gest, who was born in Los Angeles, said in his autobiography that his parents were Jewish and he had a barmitzvah.

In a statement his friend Imad Handi said: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that David Gest has died today. David was truly larger than life. He was not just a huge talent and a dear friend but a showbiz icon.

“I know he will be missed by millions of fans around the world, and particularly in Britain, who came to love his charm and blistering one-liners.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed a man in his 60s had been found dead in “unexplained” circumstances.

Mr Gest, who was married to Liza Minnelli briefly in 2002, was most recently known for his appearance in Celebrity Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity…Get me Out of Here!

Growing up he counted Michael Jackson as a close friend and his tribute to the singer after his death, Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, was the highest-rated musical television special in history.