Josh leaves Big Brother house after tragedy

BIG Brother housemate Josh Moore has left the reality TV series after a family tragedy.

The 28-year-old musician withdrew from the competition after receiving the news that his older brother Toby had died suddenly.

In a statement released on the Big Brother website, Channel Nine stated that Moore has returned home to South Australia with his parents, who travelled to Dreamworld on the Gold Coast to deliver the tragic news.

Moore was able to farewell the housemates off-camera and live updates from the Big Brother House on the program's website and social media accounts have been paused for the day.

"The Southern Star production team and the Nine Network wish to express their sympathy to the family and ask the fans of Big Brother and the media to allow them privacy at this time," the statement said.

Voting lines have now been closed and all voting revenue raised will be donated to The Salvation Army on the request of Moore and his family.

Fans can email messages of support to bigbrother@sstar.com.au or leave a comment below.