Dead Idol judge 'split with partner, bought gun'

Former Australian Idol judge Jay Dee Springbett has been found dead in a Sydney hotel.

Springbett, 36, who replaced Kyle Sandilands on the hit show, was found dead in the Woolloomooloo apartment late yesterday.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said the death was not considered suspicious.

English-born Springbett was called as Sandilands' replacement after a controversial segment on his Sydney radio show in 2009.

Springbett defended his placement on the show, saying at the time he didn't think Sandilands would be upset with him after taking the role on the final Idol series.

"I didn't steal anybody's job," he said.

"I'm just looking at the opportunity more than anything else. I think Kyle really did add something to the show, but that's then and this is now."

Springbett was criticised by fans for being too bland, but responded by saying he didn't believe it was his job to act like a clown.

Speaking to 7News, Sunday Telegraph's Entertainment Reporter Jonathon Moran, details a deeply troubled man who lived a rock-star lifestyle.

"Trouble followed Jay Dee wherever he went, but he was a very talented man," Moran said.

Behind the scenes there was talk of Jay Dee suffering from depression and struggling with his position as a celebrity.

Moran told 7News the former judge had recently separated from his partner, Louise McCole, with whom he had two daughters, and was unsure of where he was heading in the music industry.

"In recent times, there was a definite sense Jay Dee was lost," he said.

In a shocking revelation, Moran said it was widely known within the music industry that Springbett had received his gun licence and recently purchased a gun.

He was reportedly bragging about this fact just before his untimely death.

Watch the full, raw interview with Jonathon Moran here:
Sony Music Entertainment Australian and New Zealand CEO Denis Handlin said colleagues became concerned when Springbett wasn't answering his phone.

"We thought we better let the police know because it's really not like him and then of course they went to his residence and found him," Mr Handlin told 2GB.

"It's just so difficult coming to terms with it."

"Jay Dee was so very enthusiastic and passionate about his family, his music projects and his plans for the future," Mr Handlin said in a statement released later.

"Jay Dee was a great friend and larger-than-life, charismatic character who will be missed enormously."

Former Idol host Andrew Gunsberg wrote on Facebook this morning: "I'm completely sidelined by the news of Jay Dee Springbett's death.

"My deepest thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."

Springbett was the head of artist and repertoire (A&R) at Sony Music, although it has been reported he lost this job last week.

Springbett was considered "very influential in music industry and one of the key players at Sony Music".

He created and developed artists such as Jessica Mauboy and the Rogue Traders.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, we urge you to seek support and information from Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by visiting www.beyondblue.org.au