Take Me Out contestant killed himself after losing job for taking time off to record show, inquest hears

A Take Me Out contestant who lost his chocolate museum job because he took four days off to film the show hanged himself four months later, an inquest heard.

Charlie Watkins, 22, went on the ITV dating show after saying he was disappointed he had been unlucky in love during his three years at university.

York Coroners' Court heard the criminology graduate took a job at the York Chocolate Story for "a few months" after completing his degree.

But, due to four-day filming commitments for the dating show at Maidstone Studios in Kent and being in his probationary period of employment, Mr Watkins was sacked, the inquest heard.

Charlie Watkins' friend Swabir Abdulrehman

His twin brother, Harry Watkins, said Charlie did not tell work about his whereabouts because he could not have his phone with him during the Take Me Out filming.

He missed calls from work and had his employment terminated when he returned, the coroner was told.

Swabir Abdulrehman, Charlie's lacrosse team mate and housemate, told the inquest: "He really loved his job at the chocolate factory - he was happy.

"But when he went to go film for the Take Me Out TV programme, he lost his job - they terminated his contract.

"He then had nothing to do apart from stay around the house and play on the Xbox and PlayStation." The 24-year-old added: "He would have spent that time at work."

The inquest heard Charlie's family and friends confirm he had previously self-harmed and taken anti-depressants. But Mr Abdulrehman said those days were behind him and at the time "he was cheerful and happy".

Vivienne Sabre, Charlie's psychiatrist, described him as "the life and soul of every party, but would suddenly retreat into the back of his mind moments later".

The former York University student posted online after graduating in June 2016: "My one regret is not finding that one woman for me to spend the rest of my life with."

Charlie, known on Take Me Out as "Chaz Man", even posted a picture on his Facebook account of the show's application form as he filled it in.

He was then called up to join host Paddy McGuinness and shot scenes in February before winning a date with Jo-Tara.

McGuinness had tweeted saying the episode that Charlie appeared in would be dedicated to his memory. It was broadcast on April 23 after ITV were granted the go-ahead from his family.

The inquest heard Charlie had spent the day before his death drinking with his brother in Leeds, West Yorkshire, before enjoying a charity dinner with friends in York.

He was found hanged the following evening, on March 13, by his flatmates.

The inquest heard Charlie suffered after losing his mother when he was aged nine and then his grandmother, grandfather and auntie within a five-year period.

North Yorkshire Coroner Rob Turnbull said he was "unable to answer questions put in front of him" as Charlie left no suicide note and his mother had died "some years ago".

Returning a conclusion of suicide, Mr Turnbull said: "Charlie was witty, charming and a considerate young man - that is what people thought of him.

"He was all but a popular young man and it was in a sad set of circumstances his life was to end the way it did."

After the hearing, Charlie's brother Harry, 23, said: "I didn't know he was still struggling with our mother's death.

"I also noticed some laceration marks on his arm about a year ago when we went to the gym, but he just told me to mind my own business. We thought he had got better."

The family, from Essex, said they have now set up a foundation in Charlie's name to help others battling mental health.

After the inquest, a York Chocolate Story spokesman said: "Charlie Watkins was employed by York's Chocolate Story from 17th October to the 25th November 2016.

"Although Charlie only worked for us for a short time (five weeks), he was a well-liked and sociable member of the team. Due to filming commitments with Take Me Out Charlie was unable to complete his probationary period.

"The team here were shocked and saddened by the news of Charlie's passing and made a donation to Mind - Mid & North East Essex in Charlie's memory. Our deepest condolences go out to all of his family and friends."

The company statement contradicted evidence heard in court that Mr Watkins' employment had terminated a month before his death on March 13 this year.

Charlie's housemate Swabir Abdulrehman was asked by Coroner Rob Turnbull: "What was Charlie like, and I'm talking about his manner, in the months leading up to his death?

Mr Abdulrehman said: "He really loved his job - he was happy. But when he went to go film for the Take Me Out TV programme, he lost his job - they terminated his contract."

Coroner Rob Turnbull said: "So when did this happen?" Mr Abdulrehman said: "It was a month before his death."