Christopher James Hardman (26 August 1990 – 23 March 2015),[1] known professionally as Lil' Chris, was an English singer-songwriter, actor, and television personality.

[8] In the series, Hardman was immediately seen as a contender for the band after revealing that he could sing, play guitar, drum and write songs.

In the final episode the group went on to open for Judas Priest, Rob Zombie and Anthrax at a concert in Long Beach, California.

[9] A week after the performance, Hardman was contacted by record producers Ray Hedges and Nigel Butler, who appeared in Rock School to help the class with songwriting.

[9] After performing a cover of Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack" on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, Hardman then released his debut album Lil' Chris in December 2006.

[10] He continued to promote and release singles from his album throughout 2007, as well as performing as a supporting act for McFly on their 24 date Up Close and Personal tour throughout the United Kingdom.

Hardman also took part in BBC Three's Celebrity Scissorhands and made guest appearances in episodes of CBBC's SMart and TMi.

In October and November 2008 (after a successful pilot earlier in the year) he hosted Everybody Loves Lil' Chris on the T4 strand of Channel 4 on Saturday mornings.

During December 2009 to January 2010, he presented the making of Remo Skilla's music video, Stoosh, which was posted on YouTube.

From 18 June to 14 July 2012, Hardman starred in Loserville: The Musical at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds in the role of Francis Weir.

"[26][27] On 3 March 2015, Hardman tweeted, "Thinking about quitting music forever...there has to come a time eventually when I have to face reality.

"[24][28] The inquest into his death held at Bury St Edmunds in 2016 was told that he missed the limelight when his career stalled.

A statement issued by his family on 30 March 2015 paid tribute to him: "Chris was a huge personality who will be missed by everyone who knew him.

A real people person, he would always take the time to stop and talk, no matter who or when, and we are proud that he was so well thought of by all who knew him.