Christopher James Hardman (26 August 1990 – 23 March 2015), known by the stage name Lil' Chris, was a British singer-songwriter, actor, and television personality from Lowestoft, England. He came to prominence in 2006 after appearing on the Channel 4 series Rock School, which saw KISS vocalist and bassist Gene Simmons make a rock band at Lil' Chris' school. Later that year he released the single "Checkin' It Out", which charted at number 3, and a self-titled album. In 2008 he hosted his own series, Everybody Loves Lil' Chris. Hardman died by suicide in March 2015 at his home in Lowestoft after struggling with his mental health. Early life Hardman was born in Lowestoft, the son of Ian Hardman, a slaughterhouse worker, and Karen Elizabeth Hardman (née Clarke), a supermarket worker. He had an older sister, Hannah, and a younger brother, Nathan. He gained the nickname 'Lil' Chris' because his height was 4'11" at age 15. He was the shortest boy in his year at Kirkley High School. Career Rock School Hardman rose to prominence in January 2006 at the age of 15 after appearing in series two of Channel 4's Rock School. The show saw Gene Simmons (from the band KISS) try to form a rock band out of a class of children attending Kirkley High School (now East Point Academy). 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. Eventually Hardman was selected as frontman and lead singer in the line-up for the group (now named "Hoax UK" after the slogan on Hardman's cap). In the final episode the group went on to open for Judas Priest, Rob Zombie and Anthrax at a concert in Long Beach, California. Solo career 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. Hardman went on to sign a record contract with RCA Records and released his debut single "Checkin' It Out" in September 2006 which peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart. 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. On 14 October 2006 he appeared in the Big Gig at Wembley Arena before 20,000 Girl Guides. He