Il Divo singer Carlos Mar?n dies at 53 after being taken to hospital

The Il Divo singer Carlos Marin has died aged 53, the group has announced.

"He will be missed by his friends, family and fans.

"For 17 years the four of us have been on this incredible journey of Il Divo together, and we will miss our dear friend."

On 16 December, the group had posted that Marin was in hospital.

The cause of death was not made clear, though reports in Spanish media suggested Marin was intubated after being admitted to an intensive care unit in Manchester.

Il Divo had postponed the rest of their December UK tour dates by a year "due to illness". Marin had been on stage performing earlier this month.

Marin was married to the French-born singer Geraldine Larrosa - better known by her stage name Innocence - until 2009.

Bruno Tonioli, a judge on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, wrote: "Devastated [Marin] passed away.

"We had the best time putting together the first Il Divo performance 17 years ago great voice great man a true passionate Spirit with wicked sense of humor we will miss you so sad."