A dancer who was set to compete on the forthcoming season of Britain's Got Talent has died after taking his own life, his family have said.

Jack Saunders, 25, was a member of the dance troupe Green Force Five. They had made it through to the live semi-finals after impressing judges Simon Cowell, Alisha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams.

According to The Mirror, Mr Saunders died in the early hours of Sunday morning last week (17 March).  The publication reports that the show's producers are speaking with his family and Green Force Five about whether to air their audition, and if they want to take part in the semi-finals.

His mother Sandra said people "can't believe Jack is gone".

"I want people to know this can happen to any family," she said. "There is no stereotype - it doesn't have to be a manic depressive who has shown signs of mental health problems.

"Jack was a kind soul. He worried about everyone else, always focused on others to make sure they were OK. he was the shoulder you cried on."

His sister added: "Suicide awareness is getting better but there is still a bit of a stigma. The message we want to share about Jack's death is how important it is to talk to people, and tell people how great they are."

His girlfriend, Frankie Hurst, shared a tribute to him on Facebook where she said she was "eternally grateful" to have known him.

"The kindest, most considerate person who is loved by so many people," she wrote. "You're going to be missed so much."

The Brit Theatre Academy posted a message that said: "Jack's popularity with all his peers was a measure of his extroverted and charming personality. Our thoughts are with your family and friends."

As well as his appearance on Britain's Got Talent, Mr Saunders was the youngest paid dancer to perform at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, when he was just 18. 

He had previously helped to coach young dance troupe Entity Allstars to the Britain's Got Talent final in 2015. 

A spokesman for the ITV series said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with Jack's family and friends during this difficult and devastating time."

News of Mr Saunder's death comes amid calls for better support for contestants on reality TV series, following the death of former Love Island star Mike Thalassitis.

ITV announced it would offer therapy to future contestants on the popular dating show, along with social media training and financial advice. 

"The key focus will be for us to no longer be reliant on the Islanders asking for support," said ITV Studio's creative director Richard Cowles, "but for us to proactively check in with them on a regular basis."