"Christian, Laura and Lucy. The three always went together. My three incredible children. We had such great times togehter - all growing up in 16 Penningon Road, Tunbridge Wells. We had an open door and loved filling our happy home with loads of our friends.

Reading all these wonderful messages, it is only now, over 3 months after his death that I can finally write something about my beloved boy. It has moved me beyond words to realize just how much he was loved by so many people - I wished he knew just how much. He had planned to come out to Spain to stay for a week or two after his Australia trip. He loved it here and loved working in the garden, walking down to the little village through the orange groves and drinking with the locals in Moleta's bar.

Germaine, Oliver and Oscar came out here for a couple of weeks at Easter and were here for Christian's 38th birthday on April 11th. We found a party shop and bought a helium filled balloon each. We all wrote our personal messages on them, walked to the very end of the Marina in Denia, as far as the rocks beyond the lighthouse and sent them up to heaven. Oliver sat for a while alone with his thoughts then we all went for lunch at the restaurant that Christian the boys and I had been to last Summer. Then we looked again at the fabulous yaghts there in the harbour before making our way back to our nearest little town of Pego.

The magnificent Church in the square opened at 7.15pm and we were shown to a quiet chapel to one side and given a candle. We lit it and prayed there for a while. Even little Oscar put his hands together and bowed his head, bless him. We sat there in silence for a while and let our minds wander through our treasured memories. Life will never be the same for any of us, Laura, Lucy and I are missing him terribly as I know all the family are too. Lucy, her husband Chris and his parents have just spent a lovely week here with me. For those of you who don't know, Lucy is expecting their first child on October 5th so we are all looking forward to a new little one in our lives. Christian will always be with us in spirit. It could never be otherwise - his spirit was so strong.

Thank you everyone for your support, love and for keeping the memories alive. You can contact me if ever Spain beckons on 0034 965589183 or email to christinasolari@hotmail.com With fondest love, Christina (Tina to lots and Mummy Teens to many more.) xxx "

So to come up with a couple of lines that would sum up ALL of our reasons for being there was just a small step to far, so as a good old pupil from Italia Conti where Christian and I first met, I borrowed a line from Dickens 'A Tail of Two Cities' - 'Its been the best of times, Its been the worst of times'

The last part of that sentence still speaks for itself, but we were there that day in remembrance of the best of times, and still are. This lead me on to thinking what he meant to everyone and then it dawned on me he was not only many different things to many different people, but he seems to have had an alias with all.

His family all had loving nicknames and their chosen one for Christian was Jumbs.

In his teenage years as a keen breakdancer his street name was emblazoned on his favourite dance top and he went by the name of Zippy.

I called him Seemless because although he spent many years in the music business, he could never manage to string two records together at one of his many parties, with out a ten minute break in the set.

Some called him Mr Wonderful, others 20, as he would always up the steaks, others called him Wingman as he was always by your side when you needed him.

His final name is the one that touched him most and that was simply DAD.

Whatever memories, what ever name, he bought joy to us all, I have said goodbye to my best of friends and I still stand in thanks of all he gave me. Goodbye to Seemless, you will always live in my heart and the echo you hear is from the thoughts of the many many other people that also loved you and were proud to be your friend."

"'Hi Chris,' 'Hey Buddy' he'd say and you could hear that smile on the phone. To see that smile in person and you felt like you were special, that you were his best friend in the world and you knew it was going to be a great night and there was no doubt you were going to laugh....

I remember watching Chris teaching some students in a dance class. He was showing them how to stand still while the music played and yet hold the audiences focus. He didn't move but his charisma just shone out and he was mesmerising,the students just couldn't master it but it was just a God given inner talent that you are born with and if you are not, it is almost impossible to understand or even know where to begin to find it within yourself. That was the real Chris.

Jesus once said 'where two or three people gather together in my name I will be there' well, where Danny, Vinnie and i are together you will always be missing and that space will never be filled.

I miss you Chris
I.m sorry, i'm so so sorry..."

"we met one evening at a awful 'do' in a club in Orba, Spain. we were with mutual friends including your wonderful mum, Tina. You and I had a few drinks together and 'bonded' as you do! I am so sad that we'll not do that again, Christian. You touched my heart. God bless and be at peace, pal. geri x x x "

"I met Christian 10 years ago. We were rehearsing for a show and i remember watching him thinking i may have been in the presence of somebody more confident than myself. We became close friends very quickly, and i had one of the most enjoyable years of my life in Christians company. To me Chris was a beautiful and caring friend. In recent years we didnt spend as much time together as we should have done, but everytime i was with him i felt truly alive, happy and content. He was my best friend. I miss you pal and look forward to seeing you again."

"As well as being a dear personal friend, Christian was also a constant source of inspiration and advice for my music agency Sparkle - I just want to let you know why, tell you more about his amazing career in the entertainment world, and how he came to be called 'Mr Fabulous'....

Christian was a product of the famed Italia Conti stage school and had an impressive and varied career in the entertainment and music industry as a dancer, choreographer, and TV actor, before forming production company Fabulous Entertainment with which Sparkle had close links.

His dance and choreography credits included Take That, The Spice Girls (including the Spiceworld Tour), Boyzone, Sir Cliff Richard, 2 Unlimited, 'The BRITS' as well as number of stage and TV roles including appearances in the legendary BBC series 'Grange Hill' and cult comedy 'The Comic Strip Presents'.

His 'Search For A Band' productions for Clarion for OXY/Glaxo Smith Kline, seen on national TV, cable TV's 'The Box' and MTV in 2000 - 2003 as well as featuring regularly in Smash Hits and My Kinda Place were the blueprint for 'Popstars', 'Pop Idol', and 'American Idol'.

A consumate professional, he always managed to surprise and impress and anticipate the industry - booking an unknown band called Blazing Squad for the 2002 'Search For A Band' finals show in Leicester Square, to coincide with the week they shot to No 1 in the UK National Charts was typical of Christian's style, vision, and entreprenerial spirit.

At times it didn't always go to plan for either of us and on occasions when we ran into tight spots at Sparkle, 'Mr Fabulous', as he was fondly nicknamed during the time he shared offices with us, always pitched in and helped out, and we were happy to be able to return the favour in opposite circumstances.

So that's how I will remember Christian - as a total superstar, to me he never was never anything less.

'Sleep well 'Mr Fabulous', we all miss you very very much - you may be the loudest guy I ever knew, but without you the silence is simply deafening.' 'Mr Sparkle' (Spike)"

"My little Jumblees,The Tiny little Tussums. Our silly names, the funny faces, my first love. The roller coaster times go back twenty years. The Italia Conti days. How we laughed, cried and danced together. His hearty laugh, cool moves, southern accent and stylish clothes. He was my everything. I have so many memories.
Driving in the TR7 from his Dad's house listening to Michael MacDonald at full volume. We would only get as far as Sanderstead Station and It would always breakdown. The time Laura and I decorated his room for his 18th birthday. Our trip to Spain with my Parents where we met Dick and The Dominoes, a bunch of lads from Grantham who named us Blakey and Olive. The train rides to Scunny, the laughs in Tunbridge Wells with his Mum and Topsy and Buce. Not forgetting Danny and Vinny, always there. Such great times, happy memories. Jumbs you made my heart skip a beat. I never stopped loving you. I will miss you dearly. Mudges and Tussums. Smax"

"It's taken me ages to work out what to write, so many good times, so much fun, but today, Christians birthday has brought back the memory of this day 2004, there we all were at Lava for a meal and many, many drinks....except I wasn't drinking, already two days overdue with Elijah, fat n fed up! Christian was desperate for my son to be born on his birthday and even resorted to firm pressure on the bump!!! True to form he nearly made me laugh the baby out and that laughter is what I will remember most about our friend. From earth spirit where it all began, through the Solari school of parenting and many great meals here, there and everywhere Chrisian was always so much fun and such great company, I thank him for all the wonderfull people he has brought into my life, I'll miss him always.
See you in a better place bud."

"The times we had over 23 years enough said. keep 1 on ice 4 me dan and vince love u mate rodders or as u no me son the chief xx "

"Christian, I am so thankful for all your efforts to make me a Star after OxyBand 2002. We came so close to that dream..... This shocking news will make me try so much harder in your memory, I'm just sorry I received it too late to say my goodbyes. My thoughts are with Germaine & the boys, Bex xx"

"An afternoon with Christian Solari" is how I will always remember you at Contis.When you left I never forgot you and i never will. With Love Janice Bird Eden"

"Hi there Christian, I am so sorry things didn't work out but I hope you have found peace now.

Wow, you are loved! I've just been reading the moving testimonials from your friends and family. I found myself smiling alot, remembering you again. Well, it's been 20 years or more!

Conti's! What a blast that was. Remember 'Fiddler on the Roof'? Break dancing in traditional Jewish dress and beards? Could you guys even grow a beard then? Julie Waters dance classes? 'She's not there' - That was a great day. I finally got to dance with you. We girls all secrectly wished to have Christian as our dance partner. Sorry guys,but let's face it he was the best dancer plus very handsome, hugely charismatic and such fun to flirt with.

Last night a group of us (ex Conti students) met to talk and celebrate your life. I left feeling touched by the warmth and admiration everyone has for you. We're all going to meet again soon. What a star - still bringing people together.

I wish I'd known you better - maybe in the next life! Thanks for the fond memories, I'll cherish them always. X Om Shanti X "

"Dear Jumbs had to write to tell you I bumped into Vinny.
How mad is that.After everything that has happened it seemed so surreal. I kept thinking about you and how cool it would of been for all of us to have been together as grown ups. We talked about you so much. I know you are safe and at peace. But the why haunts me every night. Always in my thoughts. God Bless you and all your family. smax xxxxxxxxx"

"I cry my friend. These are the only words I can find to describe the feelings of recent weeks, for the loss to so many people but also tears of joy while thinking of the many memories we have shared. We grew from boys to men together and tried our best to hold on to the child within! Charismatic is a word, loving and loyal. Opinionated and proud you were all of these things and we love you for it! I have so much love for you and all of your family and friends. A piece of us all goes with you but also a piece of you stays alive within us. I shall not pity you Christian for it is impossible to pity someone you admire. Sleep my brother by chance to dream. All my love Danny.xx."

"After spending a few weeks in England with my mum I found a diary from 1987.It took me back many years. Back to the Fiat x19 days. It was june 15th 1987 the day Jumbs bought the car.He was so happy. Bless him. Vinny and I took loads of photos. Then the three of us sat down and watched Platoon. Tuesday june 16th we drove to T WELLS.Tina cooked chilli con carne. We watched Full Metal Jacket.He loved those war movies. We drove back to Sanderstead.Next day Chris went to Bradford to see Danny missed him terribly. Im going on to much now. Those were the Eighties. By the way Jumbs had a few days with Tops we miss you so much. A big part of my life you are.Thanks for being my friend. Your sister tops is a dear friend and will be forever. LOVE TO BUCE TINA AND NICK LUV SMAX"

"I'd never met someone who oozed charisma, charm & sex appeal quite like Christian, his love for life & desire to experience everything to the extreme, but more than anything his all encompassing love for Oliver and Oscar set him apart, he told me they were the future, that seeing them born made him realise why he was here, what life was all about. And he will live on in them forever because they are him. He used to say it was funny how you could see yourself in your kids as they grow up, little traits or mannerisms they had, stuff they said, faces they'd pull!

And his creative flair from dancing, choreographing, singing to writing.he just loved it didn't he, whether in the front room or when he did Best of British in Melbourne, it didn't matter, he just thrived on it. Always the life & soul of the party.but so much more than that, he was so deep, always searching for answers.but to me I'll remember him as a man who had so much love to give & I was lucky enough to feel that love. And like so many I miss it every day.  

He was only in my life for a year, albeit a very intense year.but we learnt so much from one another & shared so much, he was convinced from the get go I was just a younger female version of him, we understood one another & that didn't happen often, its why it was so special but now we are all just left with the memories & there are so many for us all. We did so much from the ballet, Cirque du Soleil, art galleries, museums, bush walking, camping in the rain forest! To talking & dancing & partying to the small hours, to lazy days not even leaving the house, phones off & just eating, watching movies & snuggling. What I'd give to see that smile or those eyes just one more time & just some answers to the questions that will never end because this just doesn't make sense but I guess that's how cruel life can be..  

But to you baby I'll never regret, be angry or forget anything we experienced from the day we met to the great times and laughter we shared in Australia or ultimately all I'm feeling now, you've made me who I am today & you and your love will live in my head & heart now & always.and one day I know our paths will cross again.in the meanwhile look our for me yeah!  

love your smasher xxxxxxx."

"I belatedly found out the very sad news about Christian and wanted to add my condolences to friends and family but also, to add my memories of him. I used to work with Christian at a bar in London and shared a flat with him in Maida Vale. He was a truly wonderful guy, incredible fun, open, honest, exuberant, quick witted, and kind. Life was never dull and was always worthwhile when he was around. I remember how we built a makeshift roof terrace above the flat, complete with foam sofa and side tables...It had no right to call itself a roof terrace but it was penthouse luxury living to us in those days!

Much love to all that knew him and miss him being around...

Mark"

"Hi Christian! Just heard & so shocked & saddened. When I arrived at Conti's in 1988 I wa SO scared of everybody & everything. Having already been a Junior,YOU were a massive part of the Conti "family" which really helped me settle into London. Although I was a couple of years older than you I was a baby, & you, Danny C, Gioia I,Maria I, Lisa Y...were so streetwise & cool with it all. You had amazing talent, charisma, & coolness & were everything I wished I could be. Your spirit & confidence shining through always. We weren't close friends but liked each other I think. The news of your passing away has affected me greatly. God bless you Christian. Lots of Love, Andrew X "

"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.
We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die. Cheers mate for being a big Bro to Jo. love Ya, Hope you found peace. Ant. x"

"it's Christmas eve & i've been thinking of you all day, I've put a photo of you at my wedding on the pinboard in my kitchen & I talk to you all the time. I guess you already know the confusions in my life cos i talk to you all the time about them. If it's any comfort to anyone, you were a real inspiration to me in the past and continue to be now. I talk to you about things I could never talk to anyone else about, and darling, i really feel that you are talking to me and giving me strength. This is going to be such a hard christmas for your family without you and my thoughts and prayers will be with them, but Christian, you are not forgotten, amd I couldn't have spent christmas without sending you hugs and kisses. Love you baby. jo xxx"

"A year has passed, the hurdle of the anniversary of Christian's death on the 28th February, over. As time passes it seems unreal that he will never be with us again. Oliver and Oscar are growing up so fast and wherever Christian is, I am sure he is with them, with us all, sharing our days, hopes and dreams.
Lucy and Chris are now the proud parents of a beautiful little girl, Amelia, who we call Milly. She has brought joy into our lives even with her "lusty lungs." Christian would have loved her but his two sons give her lots of cuddles whenever they can.

My thanks to all Christian's friends who have written on this site and have also sent such lovely emails to me personally with their caring thoughts. Keep them coming please.

"It's been the longest year of my life mate - missing you so much buddy. All the good things that have happened to me this year haven't been the same - not being able to tell you all about it over a few beers and laughs, and taking the p*** out of each others style, footie, musical tastes,  everything. Just doing what great mates do together. Sleep tight my dear friend 'Mr Sparkle'"

"A year has passed and I still think of you so often.I was thinking about your birthday and the fun we used to have so many years ago.Jumbs you are forever in my heart.God bless you sweet dreams .Smax xxxxxx"

"Hi Christian, I can't believe I just found out yesterday that you have moved on to a better place. We have shared a few steps in this crazy entertainment world, with you being the "white" Soultan, me being a judge on "The Search For A Band" and not to forget our challenge in restraining young and crazy Leon! You were the reason I am now happy with my wife and children. You helped me find the love of my life and for this I will always be thankful to you! We'll love you always, Roland, Andrea & the kids"