Celebs Go Dating pays poignant tribute to Mike Thalassitis after his death

From Digital Spy

Celebs Go Dating shared a poignant tribute to former contestant Mike Thalassitis after the sad news of his death this weekend.

Thalassitis was honoured with an "in memory of" title card at the close of last night's (March 17) episode of the E4 show.

He appeared on series 4 of the dating show alongside TOWIE star Gemma Collins, Made in Chelsea's Sam Thompson and London Hughes.

The Channel 4 show also shared a touching message on Twitter.

"Everyone here at Celebs Go Dating are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend Mike," it read. "Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this very sad time. Rest in peace Mike."

Former Celebs Go Dating coach Eden Blackman shared his own memories of working with Thalassitis too, saying he was "extremely saddened" to hear the devastating news.

"I'm shocked and extremely saddened to hear reports of the passing of @MikeThalassitis. He was extremely fun to work with and always made me smile. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP Mike," wrote Blackman on Twitter.

Nadia Essex, who was a Celebs Go Dating coach alongside Blackman when Thalassitis took part, shared a tribute too.

"I loved the bones of him. I can't cope thinking he's gone," she wrote.

Celebs Go Dating's receptionist Tom Read Wilson also took to social media and shared a touching message about Thalassitis.

"Devastated to learn of the passing of @MikeThalassitis. He was kind and dear and I shall never forget his warm cuddles and wicked twinkle. What a premature and heartbreaking loss," he wrote on Twitter.

Many others took to social media to share their own tributes to Thalassitis, with Ex on the Beach's Chloe Goodman tweeting: "This is heartbreaking, I cannot come to terms with it. There needs to be more help for mental health."

We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org), and Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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