Grandad, 60, ‘murdered' hours after leaving UK on stag do cruise is pictured – as pals pay tribute to ‘proper gent'
A GRANDAD who was allegedly murdered just hours into a stag do cruise to Belgium has been remembered as a 'legend'.
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James Messham, 60,
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James Messham died following an 'altercation' on board a cruise ship on Saturday
Credit: Facebook
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The tragedy took place hours after the MSC Virtuosa set sail for Bruges
Credit: MSC Rights
The luxury ship was still in British waters after leaving Southampton, Hants, at 6pm enroute to Bruges.
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Police arrested a 57-year-old man from Exeter on suspicion of murder when the two-night cruise returned on Monday.
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Mr Messham is understood to have been travelling with relatives who helped him run popular motorbike stunt show the Wall of Death.
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Joby Carter described him as a 'proper gent' who was part of Carter's
Steam
Fair until around eight years ago.
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He said: 'I was absolutely gutted when I heard the news. He was a legend.
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'We used to travel Carter's
Steam
Fair. He approached us because he had a wall of death and wanted to travel with us.
'We always got along with him. He was a proper gent, salt of the earth.
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'You knew if you had a problem he would come and help you any time day or night.
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'He was such a trier and did really well in the haulage business as well.
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'Travelling the Wall of Death is a labour of love. You've got to love it.
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Holidaymaker, 60, killed in 'fight' on luxury cruise ship hours after leaving UK as man, 57, arrested over 'murder'
"They stopped travelling with us about eight years ago. I still spoke to him a couple of times a year.
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'You couldn't watch that show without the hairs on your arms coming up.'
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An on-board army medic is believed to have treated stunt performer Mr Messham, who also rode motorbikes as part of the daredevil show.
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His family in Sussex were too upset to speak - but some relatives have posted touching pictures in memory of their dad on Facebook.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary released the arrested suspect on bail on Tuesday afternoon.
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Among shocked guests was Traitors winner Harry Clark, who was enjoying a long weekend with his girlfriend and pals on MSC Virtuosa.
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Like many other passengers, the reality TV star had no idea about the tragic death until later on.
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A source said: 'Harry is clearly very shocked and saddened by the news and is thinking of the individual's family and friends.
'You really don't expect that to happen on a cruise and it's a very scary situation.'
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Harry, 23, who won the £95,000 prize in last year's series of the hit BBC show, took selfies with other guests during an onboard white party.
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His girlfriend Anna, 24, sister of singer Connor Maynard, posted snaps captioned on Instagram: 'Stripe obsession and lift selfies on a cruise.'
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Mr Messham's death was the second tragedy onboard MSC Virtuosa in a matter of months.
Colombian national Jessica Andrea Gómez Granda, 28, died after falling overboard near the Channel Islands in October.
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The ship is used to film Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder starring X Factor winner Shayne Ward.
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Det Chief Insp Matt Gillooly, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's senior investigating officer, said: 'We want to reassure you that this appears to be an isolated incident onboard and we want to thank the crew for their cooperation and assistance with our enquiries.'
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A spokesperson for MSC Virtuosa said: 'Following an incident on board our ship, the relevant authorities were contacted, and we are co-operating fully with their investigations. We are providing full support to those impacted.'
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Traitors winner Harry Clark was on board with girlfriend Anna Maynard
Credit: Instagram
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The ship is used to film Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder
Credit: MSC Rights
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