Jack Burns: Young actor described as next Billy Elliot dies, aged 14
Jack Burns, 14, appeared in ITV series In Plain Sight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jack Burns, a young actor who was described as “the next Billy Elliot”, has died at the age of 14.
Burns was found dead at his home in Greenock, Inverclyde in Scotland.
Police said they were not treating his death as suspicious. A cause of death has not been disclosed at this time.
News of Burns’ death was announced on Facebook by the Elite Academy of Dance in Greenock, where he secured a place at the age of nine.
The academy said Burns had “touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of working and dancing with him since 2012”.
The statement added: “We and all of Jack’s family and friends are naturally completely devastated and at a loss for words and answers…
“All our thoughts and prayers at this time are with Jack’s immediate family and friends but especially with his parents Karen, Robert and his brother Rory.”
Burns, who trained at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow, also starred in the ITV series In Plain Sight. He got through to the final 10 auditions for the musical Billy Elliot in Newcastle.
One friend wrote on Facebook: “RIP angel fly high my boy forever and always thinking of you. Jack was such an amazing boy and he did not deserve the stuff he went through. He never ever wanted to hurt anyone there was not a bad bone in his body. All he did was make everyone smile.”
Burns is survived by his mother Karen, father Robert and brother Rory.
UPDATE (17.12.19): A previous version of this article reported that Jack Burns had featured in the TV show, "Outlander". We would like to make clear that it was, in fact, Jack’s brother who appeared in the series between 2014 and 2016.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments