Charlie Watkins passed away after filming an appearance on Saturday's show
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Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness has paid tribute to a contestant who’s died since filming.
The 43-year-old told his Twitter followers on Saturday that he was dedicating the evening’s episode to Charlie Watkins, who’d appeared on the show as Chaz Man.
He wrote: ‘Tonight’s Take Me Out is in memory of Charlie. A fantastic lad who I’m sure will be greatly missed by his wonderful friends & family. RIP.’
Tonight's Take Me Out is in memory of Charlie. A fantastic lad who I'm sure will be greatly missed by his wonderful friends & family. RIP pic.twitter.com/JPSPWMOfEX
— Paddy McGuinness (@PaddyMcGuinness) April 22, 2017
See: What Being One Of The Take Me Out Girls Is Really Like
Paddy usually live-Tweets the programme with jokes and behind-the-scenes gossip, but refrained from doing this as a mark of respect.
Charlie’s family have since released a statement, in which they explain that the 22-year-old had battled mental health issues since childhood.
They also mentioned the Heads Together campaign, which has been brought into the spotlight in recent weeks due to support from Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry.
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Prince Harry has put his name behind the Heads Together campaign
The statement reads: ‘We have lost a very special young man who sadly never recovered from the tragic loss of his mother when he was only nine years old.
‘Tragically this is another example of the mental health issues suffered by young people today as highlighted by the Heads Together campaign supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.’
Charlie’s relatives are believed to have given permission for the pre-recorded episode to go ahead, showing him win a date with fellow contestant Jo-Tara.
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Charlie won a date with fellow contestant Jo-Tara on Saturday’s show
A spokesman for Thames – which produces the show – says: ‘It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic news regarding Charlie.
‘Our thoughts and best wishes go to his family and friends. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time.’
It’s thought that ITV bosses are planning to hold a tribute to Charlie on spin-off show The Gossip, where his date with Jo-Tara will be shown.
The post Paddy McGuinness Pays Tribute To A Late Take Me Out Contestant appeared first on Look Magazine.
