Latest news with #NathanaelHill
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC viewers devastated as Blankety Blank guest dies before his episode airs
Viewers have been shocked to learn that the winner of Saturday's Blankety Blank episode had tragically died months before the show aired. Nathanael Hill, a 39-year-old RAF veteran from Liverpool, appeared on the June 14 broadcast, taking home the top prize. Unbeknownst to audiences at the time, Nathanael had passed away on April 25, as confirmed by the Liverpool Echo. The BBC acknowledged his death with a touching tribute during the episode's closing credits: a photo of Nathanael on horseback with the words 'Nathanael Hill 1985–2025.' The unexpected announcement hit fans hard, prompting an emotional outpouring on social media.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Blankety Blank viewers heartbroken as BBC announces death of star just months before episode aired
Fans of the TV comedy game show Blankety Blank were left startled when they learned that Saturday night's winning contestant had sadly passed away – before his episode was broadcast. The Liverpool-born RAF Veteran, Nathanael Hill, appeared on the show the evening of June 14th, when he walked away with the jackpot prize. But it was later confirmed by the BBC that he had passed away a few months prior to the episode's airing, aged 39 as the show's credits displayed a heartfelt tribute. The emotional segment was aired at the end of Saturday's episode - a photo of Nathanael on horseback, accompanied by the words 'Nathanael Hill 1985-2025.' Nathaniel passed away on April 25, according to the Liverpool Echo. Fans of the show were left seriously 'distraught' by the sad news and stormed X with comments as they sweetly remembered the TV's star, penning: 'RIP Nathanial fly high #blanketyblank'; Nathaniel Hill (pictured) was remembered with a poignant tribute at the end of the BBC 's gaming show as he tragically passed away just aged 40 'Who knew you could get sad at the end of an episode of Blankety Blank? RIP Nathanael ☹️'; 'Oh that's sad... RIP Nathaniel #blanketyblank'; 'Well I wasn't expecting that. Poor Nathaniel. RIP #blanketyblank'; 'Wow. That's so sad. RIP Nathaneal. #blanketyblank'; 'Wow Nathaniel died, wonder what happened. #BlanketyBlank'; 'Oh dear.....R.I.P. Nathaneal #blanketyblank'; 'Jesus. RIP Nathaniel . #BlanketyBlank'; 'Bit of Saturday night TV and watched #blanketyblank - kids are distraught! RIP Nathanael'. Nathaniel's cause of death remains unknown. The RAF veteran from Kirby in Merseyside was a doting dad and previously worked as an armour officer in the air force. His career was characterised by noteworthy devotion, carrying out multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and playing a part in Operation Red Flag. However, about 10 years ago, Nathanael suffered injuries from shrapnel caused by a roadside bomb in south-central Asia, that led to his discharge from the armed forces, on medical grounds. Following the incident, Nathanael's struggle with PTSD led the RAF to deem him unable to return to service. Life post-service presented medical difficulties for the veteran; he was faced with a diagnosis of late-onset type 1 diabetes, that doctors suspected had been privately developing for some time. He then contracted three bouts of sepsis and had an above-knee amputation on his leg in October 2022. But Nathanael's tenacity and perseverance did not falter, as he voiced his intent, to the Liverpool ECHO last year, to commit to his triathlon training. He dreamed of becoming a GB Paralympian, and scoring gold at the LA 2028 Paralympic games. Nathanael was known in his home, Kirkby, Liverpool, Merseyside, for his participation in his Liverpool Tritons Rugby Club, where he was a committed player and coach. The Tritons RUFC shared a somber and touching tribute back in April, following the news of his passing. "It is with deep sadness that Liverpool Tritons RUFC announces the passing of our dear friend, former player, and coach, Nathanael Hill – known to many simply as Nate. "Nate was a cherished member of the Tritons for several years. As both a formidable player on the pitch and a passionate, dedicated coach off it, Nate brought skill, heart, and a contagious enthusiasm to everything he did. His commitment to inclusive rugby and to our community helped shape the club into what it is today.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blankety Blank viewers in shock after learning winning contestant died after filming show
Viewers of the BBC gameshow Blankety Blank have been left in shock after learning that a winning contestant died months after filming the show. During Saturday night's episode (15 June), Nathanael Hill, a 39-year-old RAF veteran, rugby coach and PhD student from Liverpool, was triumphant in winning the show's main prize. But a memorandum message appearing after the credits rolled showed that Hill had died months after filming. The tribute read: 'Nathanael Hill 1985 – 2025.' The cause of death was not stated. The episode saw Hill match his answers with those given by a panel of six celebrities, including comedians Rob Beckett, Lucy Beaumont, Jack Dee, actor Omid Djalili, former GB athlete Dame Kelly Holmes and TV host Steph McGovern. At the beginning of the episode, Hill explained that he was studying for a PhD in neuroscience, researching chronic pain and how to cure it without the use of opioids. Hill was also a coach at the LGBT+ rugby team, Liverpool Tritons, which was formed in 2016 as Merseyside's first Inclusive men's Rugby Union team. According to the Liverpool Echo, Hill worked as an armour officer in the Royal Air Force and completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. During a stint in south and central Asia, Nathanael got injured by shrapnel from a roadside bomb. After doctors found a blood clot in his leg during the pandemic, he contracted sepsis and underwent an above-knee amputation on his leg in October 2022. He had been using a prosthetic leg. Hill had also been involved in training for triathlons and had been fundraising with the dream of joining Team GB at the 2028 LA Paralympics. He joked during a programme that his desired prize on the show was a running blade for his prosthetic leg, to which host Bradley Walsh quipped: 'I'm not sure that's in Blankety Blank's remit to give you a running blade. We can give you a toaster, or a kettle?' In the end, his prize was the Blankety Blank chequebook and pen trophy. In April, the Liverpool Tritons announced the news of Hill's death, remembering him as a 'cherished' member of the team, and a 'formidable player on the pitch and a passionate, dedicated coach off it'. They added: 'More than his achievements in the game, Nate will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humour, and the unwavering support he showed to teammates, new players, and friends alike. His loss will be felt deeply across the club and far beyond.' 'Nate brought skill, heart, and a contagious enthusiasm to everything he did. His commitment to inclusive rugby and to our community helped shape the club into what it is today.' Blankety Blank viewers paid tributes online, with one person writing on X/Twitter: 'Who knew you could get sad at the end of an episode of Blankety Blank? RIP Nathanael.' Another added: 'RIP Nathanael. Fly high.'
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Blankety Blank viewers shocked discovering winner died after latest episode
Blankety Blank has paid tribute to a contestant who died just a few months before his episode aired. First airing in 1979, the comedy game show sees contestants trying to match answers given by celebrity panellists to fill-in-the-blank questions. It was revived in 2021, with the current version being hosted by Bradley Walsh. On the latest episode of the show, the famous panellists were Jack Dee, Rob Beckett, Lucy Beaumont, Steph McGovern, Kelly Holmes and Omid Djalili. One of the contestants was contestant Nathanael Hill from Kirkby, who eventually took out the win. However, at the conclusion, viewers were shocked to learn he had since died. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In the credits, a tribute popped up that revealed he'd died a few months ago. Showing a photo of him riding a horse, the caption read: 'Nathanael Hill 1985 – 2025.' Soon after those tuning in shared their own tributes online. 'Who knew you could get sad at the end of an episode of Blankety Blank? RIP Nathanael,' Andie shared on X. 'Well, I wasn't expecting that. Poor Nathaniel. RIP,' Paul shared. 'RIP Nathanial 😢 Fly high,' Di added. A report from the Liverpool Echo explained that Hill died aged 39 in April this year. A former armour officer in the air force, Hill had completed six tours of Iraq, four tours of Afghanistan and worked on Operation Red Flag. However, while in south-central Asia, he was injured by shrapnel from a roadside bomb and was then medically discharged. Four years later he was diagnosed with late-onset type 1 diabetes. During the pandemic doctors discovered a blood clot in his leg, with Hill then battling three bouts of sepsis before having an above-knee amputation in October 2022. After that Hill, a doting dad, began coaching and got back into triathlons and had aspirations to represent Team GB at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. 'If I get to represent Team GB it would just be a full circle. It would be a swan song for me,' he told the publication. More Trending 'My last engagement for the Air Force was opening the London 2012 Olympics games and the 2023 Olympics is going to be in LA, America, where I was recognised for saving two American officers' lives. 'Now, I can be seen as overcoming this next challenge and to be competing in their country.' His cause of death has not been revealed. View More » Blankety Blank is streaming on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The Chase viewers rage as contestant's 'correct' answer is rejected
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Blankety Blank viewers 'in shock' as it's revealed winning contestant has died
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Blankety Blank fans were left reeling after the show's recent Saturday night episode ended with the poignant revelation that the victorious contestant, Nathanael Hill, had passed away since the episode was recorded. Nathanael Hill, featured on the BBC One quiz show hosted by Bradley Walsh, was seen clinching the star prize in the broadcast. Yet following the rolling credits, a touching tribute appeared on screen with the words 'Nathanael Hill 1985 - 2025. '. READ MORE - Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2 passengers face fine for 'buying sandwich pre-flight' READ MORE - Jeremy Clarkson makes 'candid comment' on relationship with partner Lisa Hogan Shock spread among viewers who took to social media platforms to express their grief upon discovering Nathaneal had sadly passed away. On X, previously known as Twitter, @Johnboy_Cook mourned: "Wow. That's so sad. RIP Nathaneal.", reports the Manchester Evening News. while @Di2409 shared: "RIP Nathaneal fly high." @lovelybones2013 lamented: "Oh that's sad... RIP Nathaniel" and @dazfromsomerset observed: "Oh sad he passed away young." Hailing from Kirby in Merseyside, Nathanael's demise occurred in April 2025, reports the Liverpool Echo. In his life, he served as an armour officer with the Royal Air Force, seeing action through six tours of Iraq and four of Afghanistan, as well as participating in Operation Red Flag. On a mission in south-central Asia at 39, Nathanael sustained injuries from shrapnel caused by a roadside bomb that went off remotely, which ultimately led to his medical discharge. Following his departure from service, it was four years later that Nathanael faced a diagnosis of late-onset type 1 diabetes, with doctors also discovering a blood clot in his leg amid the Covid-19 pandemic—complications that impeded the full recovery of his leg. Following three bouts of sepsis, Nathanael made the difficult decision to undergo an above-knee amputation. Upon news of his passing in April, numerous tributes poured in to honour Nathanael's memory. Liverpool Tritons RUFC shared a heartfelt tribute, stating: "It is with deep sadness that Liverpool Tritons RUFC announces the passing of our dear friend, former player, and coach, Nathanael Hill – known to many simply as Nate." As a valued member of the Tritons for several years, Nathanael was admired for his skills on the pitch and his unwavering dedication as a coach. He brought immense passion and enthusiasm to the sport, playing a pivotal role in shaping the club's inclusive rugby community. The tribute continued: "More than his achievements in the game, Nate will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humour, and the unwavering support he showed to teammates, new players, and friends alike. His loss will be felt deeply across the club and far beyond." Nathanael's friend, Simon Bartley, remembered him fondly, saying: "His friends will remember him as someone with a big heart, always willing to offer support to anyone. A shining light has dimmed with the loss of Nate, we have lost a champion for inclusion and a great friend to so many." Prior to his passing, Nathanael had begun a fundraising campaign to support his ambitious goal of securing a gold medal for Team GB at the 2028 LA Paralympics.
