TRIBUTES have been paid to a reality show contestant who took his own life.

Charlie Watkins, from Colchester, appeared on a pre-recorded episode of ITV favourite Take Me Out on Saturday night.

Since filming the scenes, Charlie sadly died and a family statement said he had suffered mental health issues since the death of his mother when he was a child.

It said: "We have lost a very special young man who sadly never recovered from the loss of his mother when he was nine years old.

"Tragically this is another example of the mental health issues suffered by young people today as highlighted by the Heads Together campaign supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry."

Show host Paddy McGuinness posted on Twitter after the show to say: "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 and family. RIP."

A fundraising page set up in his honour has seen donations flood in since he appeared on the show.

To donate click here.