Ben Shephard has paid tribute to a Tipping Point contestant who passed away before she got to see her episode aired on ITV. Retired bus driver, Cath, from Bolton featured on the show on Wednesday, May 4 and answered questions on musicals and playing cards during the show’s first round..
Taking to Twitter just before the show was aired, presenter Ben wrote: “Today’s Tipping Point is a poignant one… since recording the show, lovely contestant Cath, pictured backstage here, has passed away.”
Cath was playing opposite fellow contestants Mark and Afshad. Despite her best efforts, the Tipping Point machine only dropped three counters during the first round and Cath was in last place out of three.
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Cath then went on to score three counters during her 45 second general knowledge round. She opted for drop zone one with her first counter but unfortunately, the Tipping Point machine didn’t budge. Counter number two went in drop zone one and also did nothing.
With her final counter, the former bus driver said: “I may as well stay there in drop zone one” but to Cath’s disappointment, the machine gave her nothing. Telling Ben Shephard, “I don’t want to go home”, Cath exited the competition. Fellow contestants Afkad and Mark then went head to head in a bid to win £10,000.
Fans of Tipping Point took to Twitter to send their messages of condolence to Cath's family. @Henwad said: "Fly high Cath xx"
@cast_bowring1 said: "Goodbye Cath. rest peacefully"
Tipping Point airs weekdays at 4pm on ITV