Comedian dies in his sleep

Strictly star Jason Wood has passed away aged 38...

10:28 24 February 2010

Strictly star Jason Wood has passed away aged 38.

The funnyman, who was a contestant in the first series of Strictly Come Dancing, died in his sleep on Saturday.  

He became the first contestant to be voted off the dancing show,when it made its debut back in 2004.

Wood was best known for his comical musical impersonations, ranging from Cher to Morrisey.

He also became a regular performer at the Edinburgh Festival and frequently headlined at comedy clubs.

Chamber Management, who represented the funnyman, said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and that any further details were pending the autopsy results.

"We are devastated by the loss of our client Jason Wood," said Hannah Chambers and Sophie Church in a joint statement.

"He was an inspiring & individual performer who believed that 'variety' was the spice of life and whose wind ups were legendary.

"He was also a warm-hearted and caring man. We have lost a friend as well as a client and he will be truly missed."