Big Brother France winner Loana Petrucciani found dead at home aged 48

Loana Petrucciani won the French version of the show in 2001 (Picture: Getty)

Big Brother France winner Loana Petrucciani has died at the age of 48.

The reality star, who won the first season of the French take on the show, called Loft Story France 1, was found dead at her home in Nice.

Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but an investigation has reportedly been launched.

Local prosecutor Damien Martinelli reportedly told the French press that Petrucciani had been dead for ‘several days’ when she was found.

Having won the surveillance-style show in 2001, French TV network M6 shared a tribute to the star, calling her an ‘iconic figure of the first season of Loft Story’.

‘She will forever remain a personality who profoundly marked an entire generation of viewers,’ the statement read.

The French broadcaster behind Loft Story has paid tribute to the 48-year-old (Picture: Foc Kan/WireImage) Petrucciani’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed (Picture: Spread Pictures/MEGA)

The network also remembered Petrucciani for ‘her spontaneity, sensitivity and authenticity’.

CEO of Loft Story’s production company Banijay France, Alexia Laroche-Joubert, also said in a statement: ‘It is with immense emotion that I learned of Loana’s passing.

‘Our paths crossed 25 years ago, and I am honoured to have shared so many memories with her.

‘I witnessed her successes and her struggles.’

After the show, the reality star was involved in modelling, singing and TV presenting (Picture: Foc Kan/WireImage)

Laroche-Joubert said her thoughts were ‘with [Petrucciani’s] mother Violette, her daughter, her brother and the other housemates who were part of this adventure.

‘Let us never forget that behind her public image was a sensitive and extremely intelligent woman.’

Born in Cannes, Petrucciani had worked as a go-go dancer at local clubs before she entered the Loft Story house, which was watched by millions of viewers.

Having made headlines for a sexual encounter in the house pool with Jean-Édouard Lipa, Petrucciani went on to win the show alongside Christophe Mercy. The pair subsequently moved in together in St Tropez.

Metro contacted the Nice police for further comment.

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