RIR! Transgender Big Brother star Rebekah Shelton found dead aged 32

Transgender Big Brother star Rebekah Shelton, formerly known as Rodrigo Lopes, has died.

In a statement was posted on the former Big Brother star's Twitter page announcing the sad news.

It informed her 20,700 followers that the reality TV star had "died unexpectedly".

The post read: "We're sorry to inform everyone of the sad news that our wonderful and lovely Rebekah died unexpectedly on Wednesday night.

"We ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time."

Fans instantly began expressing their sorrow at the devastating news.

One replied: "My prayers and thoughts to Rebekah and her entire family."

While another added: "This is so sad. One of the most loveable BB housemates. RIP."

A third continued: "God, how awful! I'm so sorry. I remember watching her on Big Brother a few years ago and I loved her personality. And she achieved so much through her transition. Sending all my love to her family and friends. This is heartbreaking."

Rebekah appeared on Big Brother in 2009 as Rodrigo Lopes.

She spoke out about struggling with her mental health last year.

Rebekah said: "At one point before my surgery I had to leave home, and for six months of my life I turned to prostitution. So many times I wanted to kill myself because I had no one to talk to.

"It was a big step to go full time as a woman. It's different when you are having fun with your friends in the clubs, to changing your whole life and facing the rejection or acceptance of the world."

She continued telling OK! magazine: "No one wants to choose the hardest path to go through, it’s hard, it’s rough."

Rebekah also told Daily Star that a relationship with a man she met in her native Brazil encouraged her to transition

She said: "He saw me as a woman, the person I am.

"When he took me out and introduced me to his friends, for the first time in my life, I felt like the person I was meant to be from when I was born."