ONE of the country’s leading spiritualist mediums has lost his fight against cancer.

TV and stage star Rev Colin Fry died in the early hours of Tuesday morning, his management company confirmed yesterday.

Fellow entertainers Derek Acorah and Sally Morgan have led the tributes to the performer from Haywards Heath who enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 30 years.

The 53-year-old hosted a number of television programmes dealing with the supernatural, including Most Haunted, Psychic Private Eyes and 6ixth Sense with Colin Fry, produced by Living TV.

Having turned professional at just 17 years old, the medium rose to prominence in the industry and in 2002 he presented his first TV show 6ixth Sense shown on Living TV which regularly attracted audiences in excess of one million.

A dedicated performer, he was forced to cancel a series of shows in July as he recovered from radiotherapy.

His management company Touchstone Media said on Tuesday: “It is with much sadness and regret to announce that the Reverend Colin Fry, Britain’s most loved and respected Spiritualist Medium, lost his fight against cancer and passed away peacefully in hospital in the early hours at 2.50am this morning.”

Britain’s Most Haunted host Mr Acorah led the tributes to his colleague.

He posted on his Facebook page: “It is with the deepest sorrow that I learned of the passing of my dear friend Colin Fry.

“Condolences to his family, friends and the many people who love him.

“Rest easy my friend.... until we meet again. RIP”

ITV star Sally Morgan said: "Just heard the news about Colin Fry, our thoughts and condolences go out to Colin's family and friends at this sad time."

Fellow Psychic Mediums Tom Davies and Pat Twigg said: “We're very sad to hear of the passing of TV medium Colin Fry after his battle with lung cancer.

“We know he will be sadly missed by many but greatly welcomed home by all those in the spirit world, that he has served so well for many years.

“All the best Colin and thanks for your dedication to many.”