A PENSIONER was arrested on suspicion of ­manslaughter after a MasterChef contestant was found dead at her home.

The body of accomplished cook and artist Helen Barker, 38, was ­discovered shortly after 9am on Thursday, said police.

2 Helen Barker whose body was discovered on Thursday morning at her home Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

Officers had received a report she had died suddenly at the house in ­Trowbridge, Wilts.

A 78-year-old man, said to be known to Helen, was later arrested on suspicion of her manslaughter and actual bodily harm.

He has been released on bail pending further inquiries, say detectives.

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Police revealed a post-mortem carried out on Helen was inconclusive.

They said further pathological tests will be required to establish how she died.

2 Helen's body was found on Thursday morning at her home in Trowbridge Credit: Google maps

Her family revealed how Helen, who lived alone, had appeared as a contestant on BBC1’s MasterChef.

They said in a tribute: “The whole family have been left devastated by Helen’s untimely death.

“She was much loved and will be greatly missed by us all.

“She was a bright young woman who, in addition to her attainment of a BSc degree in Dental Technology at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, was a talented artist and an accomplished cook, having appeared on the MasterChef television programme.”

They added: “It will be difficult to come to terms with her loss, but this is being aided by the kind words and messages of support we have received and for which we are very grateful.

“We would like to kindly ask that the media allow us time to grieve in peace.”

MasterChef began in 1990 but was revived in 2005 by ex-greengrocer Gregg Wallace, 51, and chef John Torode, 51.

In recent years, it has spawned three other versions — The Professionals for working chefs, Junior MasterChef for kids aged nine to 12 and the Celebrity edition.