TV star Ryan Thomas has paid an emotional tribute to The Only Way Is Essex cast member Jake Hall, who was found dead at a holiday villa in Majorca. The former Coronation Street actor, 41, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, revealing the final text he received from Hall and describing him as the "coolest guy in the room."
A Magical Presence
Thomas posted a black-and-white video compilation of himself with Hall to his 1.3 million Instagram followers. In the accompanying caption, he wrote: "The moment I met Jake, I was in awe of him. I found myself gravitating towards him. He was always the coolest guy in the room, he had class, charisma, this magic about him that nobody else had. Anyone who met him, even once, remembered him forever."
Daily Reminders of Love
Thomas revealed that he used to call Hall "nearly every day" to remind him "how special he was and how much happiness he brought people." He recalled how their friendship took time to develop but eventually became inseparable. "The deep chats, the hysterical laughs even the petty fallouts — we shared it all. We had the same morals, the same family values, and the same outlook on life: we genuinely wanted people around us to win."
Joking that Hall would tell him to "shut up" if he could read the lengthy tribute, Thomas continued: "For all the people that admired his talent, what mattered most to him was always his family. He idolised his dad, adored his mum, and loved his little brother more than words could ever explain."
Focus on Hall's Daughter
Referring to Hall's eight-year-old daughter River, Thomas added: "His next chapter is written in the stars now and it's all about River. I promise she'll grow up surrounded by love and stories about how inspiring and powerful her daddy is."
Thomas concluded the post by sharing the last text he received from Hall, which read: "I love you mate. More than you'll ever know." He said he was sending the message back to Hall.
Tributes Pour In
Reality TV star Hall joined the cast of TOWIE in 2015 and dated co-star Chloe Lewis before quitting in 2024. He also ran a menswear brand called By Jake Hall. Tributes have flooded in since his death. The mother of his child, Albanian model Misse Beqiri, posted on Instagram saying her and her daughter's hearts were "shattered." She shared photos of herself, Hall, and their daughter, and said: "You left behind your mini version, our River, and for that we are forever grateful. You will always live on through her, and you will forever be with us."
Other celebrities including Hall's friend and former TOWIE co-star Vas J Morgan described his death as a "deeply difficult loss." Former Made In Chelsea star Akin Solanke posted a photo with Hall and wrote: "If I never told you how much you inspired me, I hope you knew regardless." Celebrity DJ Fat Tony also paid tribute, calling Hall's death "devastating news" and an "awful loss to the world."
