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Mike Thalassitis tributes: Celebs Go Dating viewers left in tears as Sam Thompson reveals he ‘could have done more’ to help star

Celebs Go Dating viewers were left heartbroken after the show dedicated Sunday night's episode to Mike Thalassitis.

Thalassitis, who appeared on the show in 2018, was found dead in a woodland close to his Essex home on Saturday.

After the show ended a photo of the star appeared on-screen alongside the words: “In memory of Mike Thalassitis 1993-2019.”

The emotional tribute left some viewers “in tears” with one tweeting: “Gosh I’m in actual tears at that tribute to at the end of @celebsgodating RIP #MikeThalassitis.”

1993-2019: Thalassitis appeared on the show in 2018 (Celebs Go Dating/E4)
1993-2019: Thalassitis appeared on the show in 2018 (Celebs Go Dating/E4)

Another wrote: “Nice to see a tribute @MikeThalassitis at the end of #CelebsGoDating.”

A third posted: “Shocked to hear about @MikeThalassitis very sad times. I didn’t see love island but did watch #CelebsGoDating and found him such fun to watch. A young man gone too soon.Please be kind to everyone as you never know what they are battling.”

Fellow Celebs Go Dating star Sam Thompson paid a touching tribute to Thalassitis, admitting he felt he “could have done more” for his friend.

He wrote: “A person just died. A friend just died. Someone that I know in my heart of hearts I could have done more for. I met Mike on Celebs Go Dating. I was told he was joining the show with me and my heart sank.

Former Love Island contestants have paid tribute to Mike Thalassitis (PA)
Former Love Island contestants have paid tribute to Mike Thalassitis (PA)

“I had heard all of the things said about this so called lothario. This cocksure arrogant guy, who was fresh out of Love Island and ready to steam roll this dating show that I was so terrified to join.”

Thompson went on to open up on how he initially judged Thalassitis when he first joined the show after he was left feeling “insecure” over Thalassitis’ “perfect” looks.

View this post on Instagram

My first lads holiday 🕺😂 #celebsgodating

A post shared by Sam Thompson (@samthompsonuk) on Jan 30, 2018 at 4:53am PST

He added: “This Alpha Male had come over, and knocked me for 6. What happened next surprised me. He came over to me, handed me a drink, apologised for not saying hello earlier, told me he was terrified and said he couldn't wait to hang out more.

“I stood there rather ashamed at how badly I had just judged a book by its cover. Over the next few months, the shame only grew. This guy was one of the most polite gentlemen I had ever met.”

Thompson is among a string of stars who have paid tribute to Thalassitis, including Love Island host Caroline Flack and Chris Hughes who stared on the ITV2 show with Thalassitis in 2017.

Love Island stars have since blasted the show for not providing enough support to contestants after they leave the show.

Police have said the death of the former Love Island contestant and semi-professional footballer is not being treated as suspicious.

Police and London Ambulance Service were called to a park close to Latymer Way, in Edmonton, north London, on Saturday.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org