TOWIE star Mick Norcross's businesses were in more than £8 million in debt before his tragic death, it has been reported.

The reality show star and businesses man was found dead at his home in Bulphan, in the Thurrock borough, on Thursday, January 21.

It came after Mick sent out a tweet saying "At the end remind yourself that you did the best you could. And that is good enough.”

Tributes to the former Towie star have poured in from heartbroken friends and fans.

Fellow TOWIE star Gemma Collins said Mick was "always a gentleman" during a tribute on Instagram.

She added: "Absolutely shocked and saddened by the news. My thoughts and prayers are going out to Kirk, family and friends absolutely tragic #ripmicknorcross the memories of the early days the sugar hut and the wonderful filming parties you put on will never be forgotten.

"You never know what someone is going through you was one of the good guys."

However, financial documents found on Companies House revealed the businessman's companies were in serious debt.

Mick's restaurant company, Willow Restaurant and Bar Ltd, was in liquidation last year with four bank loans totalling £550,559 being owed.

Manor 33 Ltd, a property firm which Mr Norcross co-owned, was also found to owe a bank loan of £3.2 million.

The company also had assets of £3.9 million but was still in negative equity of around £138,000.

460 Leisure Ltd, the star's other property business, which notably bought the historic Grand Hotel in Leigh-on-Sea and won permission to convert it into 18 apartments, also owed loans worth £5.2 million.

The last time their books were made public, both firms had just £6,164 in cash.

The businessman appeared on two series of the hit show The Only Way Is Essex and was known for being the owner of the Sugar Hut club chain which was behind the Sugar Hut nightclub in Brentwood.

The chain closed back in 2018 with about £263,000 being owed.

The star also had other companies which had unpaid debts and were subsequently liquidated.