Come Dine With Me pays tribute at end of episode to contestant who died

Come Dine With Me viewers were shocked and saddened after a recent episode was dedicated to a contestant who passed away.

Nicholas Blything competed on the popular Channel 4 cooking programme and was the final host on last week's instalment.

However, the show closed on an uncharacteristically sombre note, with a closing tribute revealing the episode was in memory of Nicholas.

He died on 15 June, aged 36.

Channel 4

A funeral notice said he died 'suddenly' and donations in his honour are being made to Cheshire Horse Sanctuary and Samaritans.

The news was met with grief by viewers, who have paid their respects on the funeral listing.

One wrote: "I am so sorry to read the sad news of your passing.

"You threw yourself in 100 percent to Come Dine With Me and I can only imagine you lived your life that way.

"We didn't know you but you appeared a most beautiful interesting human on the show. Our love to your family and friends."

Another said: "Just watched CDWM, shocked and saddened to see the obituary at the end of the programme, you brought so much joy in that half an hour it made the news all the more shocking. Sleep peacefully."

A third added: "Rest in peace Nicholas... just watched you on CDWM with my 16 year old son, so sad to read the end message... we thought you were brilliant and hoped you would win. Sending thoughts and prayers to your family and friends."

Saddened viewers also shared tributes on Twitter.

Channel 4

One wrote: "Gosh, so sad to see the credits were in memory of Nick.

"He was a fantastic contestant, really funny, warm & dressed to impress. You did Winston Churchill proud on your night Nick.

"The best week on Come Dine With Me a great mix of people RIP Nick."

Another commented: "I have just watched this week's programmes, I was absolutely saddened to see Nick had passed away.

"My deepest condolences to his family. RIP Nick."

While a third wrote: "Shocked and saddened to read about Nicholas. Gone much too soon and too young.

"Condolences to the family. RIP and God bless you."

LADbible has contacted Channel 4 for comment.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677