David Gest Dead: Producer Was Taking Steroids And Sleeping Pills To Combat Ill Health

David Gest had been taking steroids and sleeping pills as he battled a string of medical problems in the months before his death yesterday in London, it has been reported. 

The Mail quotes sources close to him saying that the US producer turned reality TV star had been suffering from pneumonia and high blood pressure, including one friend who reported him to be feeling disorientated from the medication. 

These insights into his health come as it is revealed that security broke into his room in the Four Seasons Hotel in Canary Wharf after their guest hadn't been seen for two days. When they found him inside his room, police and ambulance were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Sun reports that sources believe David spent his last 48 hours on his own in his suite. The 62-year-old had been a guest of the hotel for the last six months, as he continued to work in the UK, a country he said previously he had taken as his adopted home following his upbringing and many years in the US. 

Viewers were concerned back in January when he suffered with ill health throughout his time in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, and was forced to depart the show early on medical grounds. Friends told the Mirror that he had been suffering with a catalogue of ailments for years, including chest problems for which he was also taking medication. 

Friends and fans have joined in paying tribute to the eccentric but hugely popular character, who first found fame in this country as the demonstrative husband of Liza Minnelli. Following their split, he went on to carve out a fresh career in the UK, taking part in 'I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here', his own reality shows and finally 'CBB'. At the time of his death, he was planning to go back on the road.

Tap on the first picture to open the slideshow: