From schoolband frontman to TV host: the rise and fall of Lil' Chris

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From schoolband frontman to TV host: the rise and fall of Lil' Chris
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In short: In 2006, a 15-year-old boy became a British pop sensation after appearing on Channel 4's Rock School. Known for his songwriting talent and diminutive stature, Christopher James Hardman transitioned from a student musician to a television personality, before a tragic struggle with mental health cut his career short.

Christopher James Hardman, known professionally as Lil' Chris, rose to prominence in January 2006. He was a student at Kirkley High School, where his height of 4 feet 11 inches made him the shortest boy in his year. His breakthrough came via the Channel 4 series Rock School, in which Kiss vocalist Gene Simmons attempted to form a rock band from a class of students. Hardman, who could sing, play guitar, drum, and write songs, was selected as the group's frontman.

The group, eventually named Hoax UK, performed in Long Beach, California, opening for bands such as Judas Priest, Rob Zombie, and Anthrax. This success led to a recording contract with RCA Records. His debut single, "Checkin' It Out," released in September 2006, reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. He followed this with a self-titled album in December 2006 and later hosted his own series, Everybody Loves Lil' Chris, in 2008.

Despite his success, Hardman struggled with depression and other mental health issues. In 2014, he expressed his desire to find a cure for depression that did not involve suicide. In March 2015, at the age of 24, Hardman died by suicide at his home in Lowestoft. An inquest later revealed that he had struggled with the loss of his career's limelight. He is remembered by his family as a creative, joyful person who prioritized the happiness of his friends and family.

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