The heartbroken family of Charlie Watkins, the Take Me Out contestant who tragically died, has released a statement about their loss.
Twenty-two-year old Charlie, a former criminology student at York University, appeared on last night's show, which was filmed shortly before he took his own life.
In a heart-wrenching statement, a spokesperson from the family told the Daily Mail: "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.
Credit: ITV/Take Me Out
"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."
His family gave permission for the show to be aired following his death. There will be a tribute to Charlie, showing the footage from his date with Jo-Tara, in the spin-off show The Gossip later on today.
Before the show went out last night, host Paddy McGuinness tweeted: "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."
This was followed by an outpouring of comments from people wanting to pay their respects to Charlie.
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After the show, Charlie's heartbroken twin brother Harry posted a photograph of the pair, writing: "Words cannot express my feelings, but I feel this picture sums us up perfectly xx."
Charlie's family and friends have set up a fundraising page for mental health charity Mind.
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So far, £10,850 has been raised. If you would like to donate, you can do so here.
If you're struggling, please speak out. You can get in touch with The CALMzone, which offers amazing support to anyone when things get tough.
The helpline and web chat service are open 5pm to midnight, every day of the year. Nationwide: 0800 58 58 58; London: 0808 802 58; Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/get-help.
You can contact the Samaritans on a Freephone number - 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected].
Featured Image Credit: ITV/Take Me Out/Facebook
