A famous cat, who was the star of a bestselling franchise about an Angel Tube busker, has passed away.

Author James Bowen and his publisher Hodder & Stoughton have announced that Bob, of A Street Cat Named Bob and its sequels, died on June 15.

The book detailed James’ true story about being a recovering addict whose life was transformed by an abandoned and injured ginger cat.

READ MORE: Big Issue seller James Bowen and his street cat Bob show support for Blue CrossBusking together around Angel Tube, the duo became a hit sensation after the first book was published in 2012.

The series has sold more than eight million copies in forty languages, and was made into a film in 2016. A sequel featuring Bob, A Gift From Bob, is due to come out later this year.

James said Bob, who was at least 14, “saved his life” by providing direction and purpose: “He’s met thousands of people, touched millions of lives.

“There’s never been a cat like him. And never will again. I feel like the light has gone out in my life. I will never forget him.”