Car Man dancer Jonathan Ollivier dies in motorbike crash

Dancer Jonathan Ollivier, who was performing in Matthew Bourne's ballet The Car Man, has been killed in a motorbike accident.

Ollivier's death came just hours before he was due to perform in the production's final night at Sadler's Wells.

He reportedly collided with a Mercedes car shortly after 11am. The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and is currently in police custody.

Sunday evening's performance of The Car Man was subsequently cancelled.

The venue said in an email: "On behalf of the company New Adventures, we regret to inform patrons that tonight's performance of The Car Man at Sadler's Wells has had to be cancelled due to a tragic accident earlier today.

"While due process is being followed we are unable to give further information however we offer our sincere condolences to those concerned."

Ollivier, who was 38, was playing Luca in Bourne's acclaimed reworking of Bizet's Carmen.

Confirming his death on Facebook, his sister Rachel Ollivier said: "To all my beautiful little bro friends, it is with a heavy heart that we have to tell you that Jon tragically died today. We love him and will miss him massively."

Update: Read Matthew Bourne's tribute to Jonathan Ollivier here