A contestant on an ITV dating show revealed he was desperate to find the 'one' in Facebook messages posted before he killed himself.

Charlie Watkins, who died before his appearance on Take Me Out aired on Saturday, had 'never recovered from the tragic loss of his mother', a family statement said.

The popular student had gone on the hit ITV to find love, with a Facebook post revealing his disappointment at not finding the one at York University.

Having completed his exams in June, he wrote: 'My one regret is not finding that one woman for me to spend the rest of my life with.

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Charlie Watkins applied to go on the hit ITV show Take Me Out to find love, with a Facebook post (below) revealing his disappointment at not finding one during his time at York University

Tragic: Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness has taken to Twitter to publicly dedicate Saturday night's episode of Take Me Out to its contestant Charlie, who has died since filming the show

'With this in mind I would love for you guys to send me any suggestions for potential girls that would like to become Mrs Charles Watkins.

'Comment below and I shall pick the lucky girl! ;p xxxxx'

A few weeks later, Charlie would post a picture of his Take Me Out application form, adding: 'I am a man of my word!;)....I have finally been convinced haha #takemeout'

The show's host Paddy McGuinness dedicated Saturday night's episode of Take Me Out to Charlie.

The programme, filmed months before Charlie died in March, was aired with the permission of Charlie's family.

Sending condolences to the family of the witty young man, from York, the host wrote: 'Tonight's Take Me Out is in memory of Charlie.

'A fantastic lad who I'm sure will be greatly missed by his wonderful friends and family. RIP.'

Charlie would post a picture of his Take Me Out application form on Facebook, adding: 'I am a man of my word!;)....I have finally been convinced haha #takemeout'

The student's twin brother Harry Watkins posted an image of the pair to Facebook and wrote: 'Words cannot express my feelings, but I feel this picture sums us up perfectly'

Friends of the University of York criminology student, 22, and distraught viewers, posted their own messages of support on social media after the ITV show aired.

A spokesman for the family told MailOnline: 'We have lost a very special young man who sadly never recovered from the tragic loss of his mother when he was only 9 years old.

'Tragically this is another example of the mental health issues suffered by young people today as highlighted by the Heads Together campaign supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.'

The student's twin brother Harry Watkins posted an image of the pair to Facebook and wrote: 'Words cannot express my feelings, but I feel this picture sums us up perfectly.'

Paddy, 43, also refrained from Tweeting comments and jokes along with the show, as he usually does, in honour of the young man.

The broadcaster ran the episode in its usual slot despite Charlie having passed away in the intervening period, which left some viewers feeling 'uneasy'.

Dannii Jackson posted a tribute to the student and wrote: 'Words cannot describe how devastated I feel losing one of my best friends'

One friend Craig Greaves wrote: 'Words can't describe how wonderful this man was'

Friends' tributes: Posting a picture of Charlie in black tie at what appears to be an event, Lily Roberts wrote: 'He was absolutely wonderful. We miss him an awful lot'.

One wrote on Twitter: 'Am I the only one who is feeling uneasy about #TakeMeOut after the death of contestant Charlie?'

Twitter user D'Arcy Lindsay added: 'Not sure whether it was such a good idea to broadcast that episode of one of the contestants has recently passed away.'

Friend Matthew Wise wrote on Facebook: 'Charlie Watkins miss you lots and I hope you're happy wherever you are. No night out will be the same without you.'

Another friend Craig Greaves added: 'Words can't describe how wonderful this man was.

'Charlie Watkins may have been the biggest idiot to everyone who knew him but he was also everyone's closest friend. His smile, charm and demeanour lit up the room.

'He made my time with the University of York Lacrosse Club fun, approachable and damn right stupid but I know for one he wouldn't want it any other way!

'The world has lost a great person this week and we have lost a dear friend. Watch over us Chazman.'

In Charlie's death announcement, published in the Telegraph, it was revealed he had previously lost his mother.

The family said: 'Charlie beloved son to Tim and the late Sarah Watkins and twin brother to Harry, tragically taken from us on Monday 13 March.'

Charlie's funeral was held on Friday 24 March and mourners were asked to donate to mental health charity Mind in lieu of flowers, according to The Mirror.

So far more than £10,000 has been raised for the charity via the fundraising page.

Dedicated: Paddy, 43, also refrained from Tweeting comments and jokes along with the show, as he usually does, in honour of the young man

Long time pals: Toby Hudson posted another throwback photograph alongside Charlie and a group of friends, writing: 'So hard to watch, but a great guy and some great memories mate #rip'

Sending condolences: The host wrote: 'Tonight's Take Me Out is in memory of Charlie. A fantastic lad who I'm sure will be greatly missed by his wonderful friends and family. RIP.'

Attractive: In the episode Charlie won himself a holiday date with his witty ways and quirky chocolate factory job

Other viewers reacted by quickly sending condolences to the young man's family - including several of his friends.

Posting a picture of Charlie in black tie at what appears to be an event, Lily Roberts wrote: 'He was absolutely wonderful. We miss him an awful lot'.

And Toby Hudson posted another throwback photograph alongside Charlie and a group of friends, writing: 'So hard to watch, but a great guy and some great memories mate #rip.'

Wearing a pink shirt, Charlie appeared on the edition of the popular dating show as one of four single men seeking a date from the flirty thirty.

And he won himself a holiday date with his witty ways and quirky chocolate factory job.

He described himself as a 'big kid', and said he was a fan of 'comic books and video games'.

Friendly: On the show Charlie described himself as a 'big kid', and said he was a fan of 'comic books and video games'

Witty young man: Wearing a pink shirt, Charlie appeared on the edition of the popular dating show as one of four single men seeking a date from the flirty thirty

Lost time: At the end of the show, Charlie, who asked to be known as Chaz Man on the programme, chose Jo-Tara to take to the Isle Of Fernandos

At the end of the show, Charlie, who asked to be known as Chaz Man on the programme, chose Jo-Tara to take to the Isle Of Fernandos.

A Thames spokesperson said: 'It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic news regarding Charlie.

'Our thoughts and best wishes go to his family and friends. We ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time.'

A police spokeswoman said: 'We do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances and will prepare a report for the coroner.'

Mixed reactions: While all viewers shared their condolences for Charlie's family, some were left uneasy at the episode being aired after he died