[4][5] In 2016, Gest appeared in Celebrity Big Brother 17 in the UK but elected to leave the show after 13 days due to "medical reasons".

Two days later, Gest appeared on the Royal Variety Show in London in front of Prince Charles, for which he received a standing ovation.

[7] In January 2007, Gest appeared as a judge on ITV1's Soapstar Superstar, for one night replacing Michael Ball who was coaching the singers.

[9] In 2017, Associated Press carried a report claiming that Gest had attempted to have Elton John killed.

[13] In October 2003, he sued her for $10 million, claiming that she had been violent and physically abusive during their marriage, behavior the affidavit blamed on Minnelli's persistent alcoholism.

On April 12, 2016, Gest was found dead in his room at the Four Seasons Hotel in East London's Canary Wharf district.

[16][17] Before his death, Gest had been arranging a new tour entitled David Gest Is Not Dead but Alive With Soul, in reference to a misunderstanding on Celebrity Big Brother after he had gone to bed early feeling unwell on the evening the death of David Bowie was announced.

[20] Gest's funeral service was held at Golders Green Crematorium in North London on April 29, 2016.