First Dates star and former Miss Bikini Ireland Judy Fitzgerald has died aged 32.
Judy, who was a qualified fitness instructor, had continued working on the frontline of midwifery during the Covid-19 pandemic while pursuing a career in the fitness modelling world.
She won the title of Miss Bikini Ireland in 2014 and earned her degree in nursing from University College Cork.
Just a year after winning her title, she walked the catwalk at New York Fashion Week while dressed in a red jewelled outfit.
After the event, she said that the experience had been a "dream come true".
An ambitious businesswoman, she had also set up a website and fitness app “Judy FitZ Fitness, Get Fit with Fitz” providing personalised workout and diet plans.
On her website, she said that she had also worked as an aesthetic nurse after she “represented Ireland on the world stage”.
Previously, she said that she aimed to use her fitness skills to empower her clients to reach their goals, “change their lives for the better”, and “become the best version of themselves”.
“For me, there is no better feeling than inspiring people to feel about good themselves both inside and out,” she said.
Former soap actress Jenny Dixon, who starred in Irish drama Fair City, and her husband, actor and former Fine Gael TD, Tom Neville, paid tribute to the late star..
“So so sad to learn of Judy’s passing. She will be missed by all very much. Our sincerest sympathy to the Fitzgerald family and friends. May she (Judy) Rest in Peace,” the couple wrote.
“Rest in peace Judy,” wrote a friend who posted a red love heart beside the short online tribute, while another friend poignantly wrote: “A beautiful soul, may she Rest In Peace.”
Fellow pageant contestant Mary Mullally also paid tribute.
She wrote: "Judy was a “kind, beautiful person, a girl that would light up a room with her smile.
“Judy Fitzgerald our Miss Bikini Ireland 2014, has sadly gained her wings. She will be truly missed in the modelling and beauty industry & community."
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here .
READ NEXT:
Rylan Clark's cryptic social media post following Phillip Schofield's ITV exit amid affair scandal
Holly Willoughby breaks silence and claims Phillip Schofield 'lied' to her about affair
ITV News reporter Emily Morgan dies aged 45 after brave battle with lung cancer
