Blankety Blank viewers in shock after discovering winning contestant died after filming show

Fans have paid tribute to the former armour officer
EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE Blankety Blank viewers in shock after discovering winning contestant died after filming show
A BLANKETY Blank contestant has sadly passed away, with viewers finding out in a tribute at the end of the episode he starred on.
Fans tuning into Blankety Blank on Saturday night were left in shock when they learned that the winning contestant had sadly died.
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Nathanael Hill filmed for Blankety Blank shortly before his death
Credit: BBC
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A tribute for Nathanael flashed up on screen after the episode aired this evening
Credit: BBC
Nathanael Hill had passed away after filming for the hit show took place.
A tribute flashed up on screen to commemorate his life at the end of the episode hosted by Bradley Walsh, which aired on Saturday night (June 14).
Nathanael was seen winning the show's main prize at the end of the programme tonight.
And fans were devastated when his passing was revealed and they learned he had died months ago.
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After the show's credits ended, a memorial screen appeared.
The tribute screen simply read: "Nathanael Hill 1985 - 2025."
After the tribute flashed up on screen at the end, one person penned: "Jesus. RIP Nathaniel."
A second then said: "Well I don't normally bother with the credits at the end of #blanketyblank but that was a sad way to finish a jolly show."
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"Well I wasn't expecting that. Poor Nathaniel. RIP," said a third.
A fourth then penned: "Rest in perfect peace, Nathanael Hill."
The Vivienne's final TV appearance aired just days before tragic death aged 32
While a fifth added: "Aw that was a beautiful touch at the end."
At just 39 years of age, Nathanael died in April 2025, according to a Liverpool Echo report.
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The game show star was from Kirkby in Merseyside, and was a doting dad.
He worked as an armour officer in the air force and during his time he completed six tours of Iraq, four tours of Afghanistan and worked on Operation Red Flag.
During a stint in south-central Asia, Nathanael got injured by shrapnel from a roadside bomb.
The bomb was remotely detonated and was medically discharged.
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Four years after leaving the military Nathanael was diagnosed with late-onset type 1 diabetes.
Doctors also found a blood clot in his leg amid the coronavirus pandemic.
He then contracted three bouts of sepsis and decided to have an above-knee amputation on his leg in October 2022.
After the amputation Nathanael began coaching and got back into triathlons.
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He was also on the UK paratriathlon pathway with a goal of competing for Team GB.
Nathanael's cause of death is not known.
Tributes were paid to Nathanael after news of his death broke two months ago.
Tritons RUFC shared a touching tribute for their "dear friend and former player".
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The tribute read: "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."
The tribute 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.
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"His loss will be felt deeply across the club and far beyond."
Before his death, Nathanael revealed his dream of achieving gold for Team GB at the 2028 LA Paralympics.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo last year about his Team GB dreams, Nathanael said: 'If I get to represent Team GB it would just be a full circle. It would be a swan song for me.
"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.
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"Now, I can be seen as overcoming this next challenge and to be competing in their country."

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