Body found in search for missing Channel 4 star after 24 hour search
A body has been discovered in the search for Channel 4 star Katherine Watson who vanished on Thursday. The 50 year old former army officer, often known as Katie, appeared in the TV series Geordie Hospital and was last seen in the Newcastle area on early Thursday afternoon, reports The Mirror.
Northumbria Police have now revealed that a body has been found in the search for the star and her next of kin have been informed. In an update, they stated: "We have some sad news to share with you. We have sadly found a body in the search for missing Newcastle woman Katherine Watson.
"The 50-year-old, also known as Katie, was reported missing yesterday. Extensive searches have been carried out since then to locate her. Sadly, this morning a body was discovered in the Jesmond Dene area. Formal identification has yet to take place, however it is believed to be Katherine. Her next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
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"This is an incredibly sad outcome and our thoughts are with Katherine's loved-ones at this difficult time. We continue to support them and we ask that their privacy is respected. Thank you to everyone who supported our search for Katherine." Katie had previously served in the army, joining at the age of 18 in 1992. She completed basic training at Army Women's Training Centre in Guilford before moving on to undertake trade training with the Royal Military Police at Chichester.
During the 1990s, Katie embarked on two operational tours in Bosnia and Croatia before being deployed as a searcher Corporal in Northern Ireland. Upon leaving the Army in 2002, she pursued a new career, training with Humberside Probation, followed by an NHS placement in Newcastle five years later.
Her commitment led her to become head of chaplaincy in 2022. Tributes poured in following the announcement of her disappearance, with a now-retired former colleague sharing on social media: "For many of us at Newcastle Hospitals she was our rock during the worst parts of the Covid Pandemic."
Another touched by her impact added: "one of the most wonderful women I have had the pleasure of knowing".