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Take Me Out dedicated to contestant Charlie Watkins who tragically died last month

Last night, Take Me Out viewers were left devastated when it was revealed that 22-year-old Charlie Watkins, who appeared on the episode, had tragically passed away after filming.

The show’s host, Paddy McGuinness, dedicated the episode to Charlie, writing on Twitter: “Tonight’s Take Me Out is in memory of Charlie.

Charlie tragically passed away last month.
Charlie tragically passed away last month.

“A fantastic lad who I’m sure will be greatly missed by his wonderful friends & family. RIP.”

As a mark of respect, Paddy also refrained from tweeting along with the show like he usually does.

Needless to say, news of the happy-go-lucky contestant’s passing struck a chord with fans, and it has since been revealed that Charlie died just last month, on Monday 13th March, and that he had previously lost his mother, Sarah.

Although the cause of his death has not been revealed, a fundraising page was set up in Charlie’s memory, with proceeds being donated to the mental health charity, ‘Mind’.

Charlie’s twin brother, Harry, shared this touching photo in memorial.
Charlie’s twin brother, Harry, shared this touching photo in memorial.

So far more than £10,000 has been raised for the Mid and North Essex branch of the charity.

Charlie’s twin brother Harry lead the tributes to the popular York University student on social media, sharing a photo of them together and poignantly writing: “Words cannot express my feelings, but I feel this picture sums us up perfectly xx.”

One of the Charlie’s teammates from the University lacrosse team also shared on Facebook: “Miss you lots and I hope you’re happy wherever you are. No night out will be the same without you.”

Charlie was a popular student at York University.
Charlie was a popular student at York University.

Another friend wrote: “Nothing I can say will ever be enough, I’ll always have my memories of you and I’ll always always love you, until next time Chazman.”

During last night’s episode of Take Me Out, Charlie’s twin appeared on the show to embarrass his brother – telling the girls that Charlie, who works in a chocolate factory and described himself as “a big kid”, usually goes by the nickname “Chazman.”

Still, Charlie impressed the ladies and ended up choosing Scottish Jo-Tara for his date on the Island of Fernando – which viewers should be able to watch in next week’s episode.

Charlie nabbed himself a date on Take Me Out.
Charlie nabbed himself a date on Take Me Out.

Speaking last night, a spokesperson for Take Me Out shared: “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic news regarding Charlie.

“Our thoughts and best wishes go to his family and friends. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time.”