Tim Hadcock-Mackay, 43, is believed to have committed suicide after his business went bust with debts of over £1 million.
Police found the body last Friday morning in woodland behind Barnby Moor Hall, which Mr Hadcock-Mackay owned.
Mr Hadcock-Mackay lived at the lavish 19th century manor – which boasts nine bedrooms, five bathrooms and a library – with business and life partner Torquil Mackenzie-Buist, and was well known for restoring country houses and stately homes
He was known to millions of TV viwers as presenter of Channel 4 programmes Ditch The Day Job and Time To Get Your House In Order, and was in talks to present a new show Mayhem In The Manor, filmed at the huge Victorian mansion.
Famous for his tweed suits and turquoise vintage Bentley, Mr Hadcock-Mackay counted numerous TV and film stars among his friends.
The Guardian understands that regular visitors to his home at Barnby Moor included such celebrities as Joan Collins, Lorraine Chase, Christopher Biggins and Valerie Singleton.
His eccentrities extended to his pets – one of his dogs, a dachshund, was made to wear a diamond tiara.
He was an active fundraiser for charity, a primary cause being the Sargent Cancer Care for Children.
As well as his television career, Mr Hadock-Mackay was on the board of directors of hotel marketing consortium Distinguished Hotels.
But it was reported that the former director was forced to resign in April when it was revealed that the company had run up debts estimated at more than £1 million.
The company reportedly ceased trading in May this year upon learning that financial director David Owen– one of three directors – failed to pay PAYE for five years.
But as his business world rocked, Mr Hadcock-Mackay was still in demand as a TV celebrity.
Just two months ago, Mr Hadcock-Mackay and Mr Mackenzie-Buist were planning to open the doors of their home to the public for the new TV show Mayhem At The Manor.
Staff at the production company are shocked by the news.
"Everyone is deeply saddened by the news of Mr Hadcock- Mackay's death and our thoughts and prayers go out to his partner and family," said a spokesman for Discovery Networks.
"We feel it would be insensitive to comment any further at this stage on issues relating to the show."
Another close friend, hotelier Andfrew Beale, said yesterday: "I have just heard the truly awful news that Tim Hadcock-Mackay has committed suicide."
"Tim was a larger-than-life person, bubbly, effervescent, passionate. He knew everyone – a networker par-excellence."
"His enthusiasm was contagious and everyone I know who came into contact with him came away smiling. You couldn't help liking him."
A post-mortem examination took place on Monday and an inquest will follow.