Transgender Big Brother star dies ‘unexpectedly’

The transgender Big Brother star Rebekah Shelton, who appeared on the show as Rodrigo Lopes, has died.

The 32-year-old was on the reality show in 2009, where – as Rodrigo – she finished fifth.

A tweet from her personal account read: “We’re sorry to inform everyone of the sad news that our wonderful and lovely Rebekah died unexpectedly on Wednesday night.

“We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time.”

The reality TV star started living as a woman in 2012, after successfully transitioning.

Rebekah had previously told OK! Magazine that it was the “hardest decision ever” to go through with the surgery, and that her family had struggled dealing with it.

“I’ve had to fight for acceptance. I was not born wanting to be a transsexual, or a boy, or a straight boy, or a girl,” she explained.

We’re sorry to inform everyone of the sad news that our wonderful and lovely Rebekah died unexpectedly on Wednesday night. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time.