Bandmates, pop stars of the 1980s and personalities from across the showbiz spectrum have paid tribute to Pete Burns after the former Dead Or Alive singer died at the age of 57.

Wayne Hussey, a former guitarist with Dead Or Alive, currently on tour as a singer with The Mission, wrote on Facebook: ''I'm sat in a dressing room in Bratislava and just received the devastating news that my ol' mucker Pete Burns (of Dead Or Alive) has sadly passed away. I can't believe it.

''Pete was and will remain quite possibly the most naturally talented person I have ever worked with. Always larger than life, which sometimes tended to obscure that fact, with the quickest and most wicked tongue, he was always huge fun to be around. I loved Pete and learnt so much from him.

''Today is indeed a very sad day for me. Pete will always live large, and very fondly, in my memory. RIP, dear friend.''

Joe Musker, a former drummer with Dead Or Alive, told BBC Radio 5 Live: ''He was the ace face in Liverpool. He was just so flamboyant and just right out there with his dress and that. He always looked absolutely amazing and it was a pleasure to work with him.''

Marc Almond, the Soft Cell musician, tweeted: ''We've had some mad times with Pete but he was a one off creation, a fabulous, fantastic, brilliant creature and always sweet to me.''

Singer Sinitta wrote: ''Rest in Peace ''Loved Pete Burns. Brilliant, witty mind and what a stunning young man he was.''

The Rev Richard Coles, the former Communards musician, wrote: ''Oh, £PeteBurns has died! I used to hang out with him a bit and really liked him even when he was hi-maintenance as well as hi-NRG. RIP.''

Spandau Ballet co-founder Steve Norman tweeted: ''Rest peacefully, Pete,'' while ABC frontman Martin Fry said: ''RIP Pete Burns One of the greats has gone''.

Davina McCall, who hosted the 2006 Celebrity Big Brother series the star appeared in, was among those who tweeted their condolences.

She said: ''So, so sad to hear about Pete Burns ... we partied hard in the 90s ... RIP Pete x.''

Preston, the Ordinary Boys frontman who also appeared in the series, tweeted: ''Heartbroken to hear about Pete Burns. He was a true punk rocker and one of the kindest hearts I've ever know. Gutted.''

Former Big Brother contestant Nikki Grahame tweeted: ''Ah what said news about Pete Burns.. A true Big Brother legend! Thank you for the laughs and the tunes X''

Tom Parker, from boyband The Wanted, tweeted: ''The curse of 2016 strikes again! Pete Burns. A true eccentric. A master of it!''

Actor Robbie Coltrane tweeted: ''Sending love and condolences to the family of Pete Burns RIP so sad''

Frank Bruno tweeted: ''So so sad to hear Pete Burns has passed away ... taken far too young.''

DJ and record label owner Erol Alkan tweeted: ''RIP Pete Burns. 'You Spin Me Round' was the first 12'' record I ever bought from Harum Records in Archway, aged 11.''