Tipping Point's Ben Shephard has paid a heartbreaking tribute to a contestant who passed away before their appearance on the ITV programme. The presenter shared the sad news on social media before the latest episode of the game show aired on Wednesday, November 2.
Ben, 47, shared a picture of himself standing next to contestant Rav and said he'd "loved playing alongside him" before extending his heartfelt condolences to Rav's' family. Ben told his 802k Twitter followers: "Since we recorded today's Tipping Point, Rav’' family have shared the sad news of his passing.
"I loved playing alongside him, and along with all the Tipping Point team we are sending his family and friends all our love."
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Ben's post was quickly flooded with heartfelt messages as fans and viewers at home also shared their sympathies. One social media user wrote: "Always sad to hear of someone passing between the record & the airing. Am sure that all of us on the #TippingPoint feed send our condolences to his family & friends. @TippingPointITV."
While another added: "That' really sad, just watched and thought he was a lovely chap. Rest in peace."
And a third commented: "That's very sad....very sorry to read this." As a fourth wrote: "So sad , just watched it today, what a nice man he was."
The episode saw Rav reach the final round, and while he didn't quite get the machine to deposit the £10k jackpot coin, he did walkway with £2,750. Ben called Rav a "cracking competitor".
A statement was also released on the official Tipping Point Facebook page, it read: "After the recording of this programme, we spoke with Rav’s family who shared the sad news of his passing. Everyone at Tipping Point would like to extend their sincerest sympathies." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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