Denise Welch has posted an emotional tribute to Jamal Edwards following news of his death on Sunday at the age of 31.
The music entrepreneur, who founded music channel SBTV, was the son of Denise's friend and Loose Women co-star Brenda Edwards.
And the Geordie presenter, 63, took to Twitter to post her heartbreaking message.
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She wrote: "My heart aches for my friend Brenda. I can't bear it. Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother."
Jamal was a teenager when he launched the youth broadcasting and production film channel SBTV to upload clips he had recorded of his friends performing on the estate where he lived in Acton, west London.
By 2014, he had amassed an estimated fortune of around £8 million and worked with the likes of Jessie J, Emeli Sande and Ed Sheeran.
Tributes to Jamal have flooded social media following the news of his passing, with many joining Denise in sending their condolences to mum Brenda, who finished fourth in the second series of the X Factor in 2005.
Commenting about the shocking and sad news, one of Denise's followers said: "Jamal has been a hero especially in the black community and within media and many owe him huge respect.
"Brenda - You are what we call in Jamaica, a mother in Zion. May you're heavenly reward be great and the crown you wear shine brighter than any diamond."
Another fan added: "Absolutely devastating. Can't imagine what Brenda is going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brenda and her family at this sad time R.I.P love and light."
Actress Kate Robbins also took to Denise's post to say: "Oh dear Lord. This is terrible."
Denise went on to share a message from Twitter's popular account All On The Board, which shared a quote by Jamal on their board which read: "Be the change you want to see in the world".
Their message read: "RIP Jamal Edwards. As an entrepreneur with limitless creative bravery you will forever inspire those with nothing but their imagination, to be courageous in forging the art and the world of the future.
"Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you, your family, your friends and your fans."
On Monday morning, Loose Women co-star and ITV News presenter Charlene White also paid tribute to Jamal and expressed her condolences to his mum Brenda.
Charlene posted: "Your light shone so brightly that it touched so many of us, impacted the lives of many more, and changed the game forever.
"And, you are my Brenda's son. There are no words to describe her heartbreak, our heartbreak, now that your light has gone. Sometimes life is terribly unfair."
Jamal's cause of death has not be revealed as of yet, the Mirror reports.
Just three days ago Jamal had posted a throwback snap of himself and pop sensation Ed Sheeran to his Instagram account.
He wrote a special birthday message to the Shivers hitmaker, saying: "Happy Birthday to the OG, Ed. Blessed to have you in my life brother.
"You know you've been mates a long time when you lose count on the years! Keep smashing it & inspiring us all G!"
