Ellen DeGeneres has shared a heartbreaking tribute to Stephen 'tWitch' Boss following the news of his tragic death.
Earlier today, Boss' wife Allison Holker Boss confirmed he had passed away aged 40.
The late star was a major part of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, having joined as a DJ in 2014 before being promoted to executive producer in 2020, which he did until it wrapped up this year.
Taking to Instagram, the host wrote: "I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart.
"I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."
Many people have taken to the comments section to share their condolences, with one writing: "I’m heartbroken, I can’t believe this, my prayers go out to his family."
Another said: "I am heartbroken. tWitch brought love and light into this world. Sending prayers to Allison and their children."
Speaking directly to the chat show host, a third commented: "Nobody made him smile like you did."
Allison, 34, confirmed the sad news in a statement shared with People today (14 December), in which she said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us.
"Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him.
"He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.
"To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt.
"I am certain there won't be a day that goes by that we won't honor his memory.
"We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children."
She finished by saying: "Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you."
As well as his role on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Boss rose to fame as a dancer when he became the runner-up in the 2008 season of the reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance.
It was on the set of this show that he met his wife Allison, and the pair went on to have three children together – Weslie, 14, Maddox, six, and Zaia, three.
Tributes continue to pour in for Stephen from his heartbroken friends and fans, with DJ Pauly D writing on Twitter: "Damn this is sad news. Sending prayers to Stephen "tWitch" Boss's family and friends... RIP TWITCH."
Elsewhere, actor and singer Eric West said: "RIP Stephen 'tWitch' Boss... He was a bright energy! Full of life."
Actress and comedian Marsha Warfield added: "WHAT?!?! Oh, no! I remember seeing him at the beginning of his season on So You Think You Can Dance.
"I watched him and Allison start a relationship on the show... My condolences to all who loved him."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Featured Image Credit: @theellenshow/ Instagram / Image Press Agency / Alamy Stock PhotoTopics: US News
Daisy Phillipson