TV's Ben Shephard pays tribute to 'very special' Hartlepool contestant who died before Tipping Point episode aired

Tributes have been paid to a Hartlepool contestant who appeared on ITV’s Tipping Point but sadly passed away before her episode was aired.
By Poppy Kennedy
Published 16th Jan 2021, 17:32 BST
Tipping Point host Ben Shephard paid tribute to Margaret in a Tweet following the show's broadcast. Picture: ITV.Tipping Point host Ben Shephard paid tribute to Margaret in a Tweet following the show's broadcast. Picture: ITV.
Tipping Point host Ben Shephard paid tribute to Margaret in a Tweet following the show's broadcast. Picture: ITV.

‘Lovely’ Margaret appeared on Friday, January 15’s episode of the ITV game show, where she beat three other contestants to make it through to the final.

Although she missed out on the jackpot prize of £20,000, she did go home with £2,650 and a spa break.

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But tragically before the episode was broadcast, Margaret passed away and her grieving family contacted the show - but remained keen for her episode to be shown.

Paying tribute to Margaret, host Ben Shephard tweeted on Friday: “This was such a lovely show, and Margaret was a very special and worthy winner.

"We were so sorry to hear of her passing, but her family were keen that her episode was shown and enjoyed.

"I just want to send all my love and thoughts to her husband Paul and her family.”

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Alongside the tribute, the show's presenter also posted a photo with Margaret, alongside fellow contestants Paul, Tonisha and Ryan.

On making it to the final, Margaret spoke about her love of travelling and how she wanted to use the money to go towards a bucket list trip to India with her husband – as well as putting some of the winnings aside for a new garden fence.

A retired secretary, Margaret lived in Hartlepool but also mentioned on the show that she previously lived in nearby Billingham.

A spokesman for ITV’s Tipping Point added: "After the recording of today's programme, we spoke with Margaret’s family who shared the tragic news of her passing.

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"Everyone at Tipping Point would like to extend their sincerest sympathies."

Tributes flooded in on social media as viewers shared their condolences to the ‘lovely lady’.

One viewer wrote: “Sincerest condolences on the sad loss of Margaret, she was a lovely contestant.”

While another said: “Just watched it, just said to my husband what a lovely lady. We were willing her to win. RIP our thoughts are with her family.”

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The show aired at 4pm on Friday on ITV and is now available to watch on ITV Player.

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Related topics:ITVHartlepoolIndia