A former member of the dance group Diversity has been killed in a car crash. 

Robert Anker died in the collision in Canada yesterday, where he moved last year to marry his fiancée. 

The 27-year old performer from Essex was a founding member of the world-famous dance troupe Diversity, which won Britain's Got Talent in 2009.  

He also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, ITV shows The X Factor and Take Me Out and in music videos alongside singers Jessie J, Paloma Faith and Peter Andre. Robert had also starred in the West End show Thriller and recently flown out to Cape Town to be involved in the latest Bring It On film.

Social media has been flooded with tributes to the star. Choreographer Dean Lee tweeted: 'Rob Anker. I have no words to speak after hearing of your passing. This is truly heart breaking. Thanks for the memories. Shine bright.'

His cousin Rochelle Hanson has since set up a Just Giving page in his memory. 

On it, she paid tribute to the 'amazing and talented dancer'. 

She wrote: 'The family are devastated. He only just got married in September 2016 to a lovely Canadian girl and they were starting their new life out there. 'He's been in Diversity, the West End show Thriller and various TV Shows and music videos as well as be part of the new Bring It On film. He was an amazing and talented dancer.'

'We are raising funds for his family to be able to cover all costs for their trip to go and arrange his funeral in Canada. We would love to ensure that his family don't worry or stress about money at this time.'

British street dance troupe Diversity formed in 2007 in London. 

They shot to fame after winning the third series of Britain's Got Talent in 2009, beating singer Susan Boyle in the live final.