Charlie Watkins: Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness pays tribute to 'lovely' star who died after appearing on the show

Paddy McGuinness has paid tribute to a "smashing" Take Me Out contestant, Charlie Watkins, who died after appearing on the show.

Last week, McGuinness tweeted that the episode of the ITV dating series was in memory of 22-year-old Charlie and this week he shared a further tweet ahead of footage of his date airing.

The comedian wrote: "Hope you love tonight's @takemeoutuk especially Charlie's friends & family. We get to see a smashing lad enjoying himself on his date."

Charlie was shown travelling to the programme's romance spot, the Isle of Fernando, with contestant Jo-Tara who he had won a date with in the previous episode.

He visited a beach and a water park and said: "I couldn't think of an awesomer first date."

He also described the trip as "definitely the best first date I've ever had", while Jo-Tara admitted to the cameras that she fancied him.

Before last week's episode aired, 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."

Distraught viewers took to social media to pass condolences to Mr Watkins' family, who gave permission for the show to be aired.

They described him as a “lovely lad” and commented that his family must be “so proud”.

One person wrote: “Condolences to his family and I'm glad they let us see his episodes and see what a nice bloke he was.”

Another posted: “Such a shame but really good tribute to see him tonight at fernados ! #ripcharlie”

And one upset viewer added: “So sad, thoughts are obviously with his loved ones, he seemed a handsome intelligent genuine guy, heaven gained an angel.”

Charlie’s funeral was held on Friday March 24 in York and mourners were asked to donate to mental health charity Mind.