A body has been found in the search for missing Geordie Hospital star Katherine Wilson, 50, Northumberland Police has confirmed.
The army veteran was reported missing on Thursday evening as police appealed for information regarding her whereabouts.
However, on Friday afternoon, Northumberland Police shared the news that a body “believed to be Katherine” had been found.
It shared the news on X in a series of posts that read: “We have some sad news to share with you. We have sadly found a body in the search for missing #Newcastle woman Katherine Watson.
“The 50-year-old, also known as Katie, was reported missing yesterday.
“Extensive searches have been carried out since then to locate her.
We have some sad news to share with you. We have sadly found a body in the search for missing #Newcastle woman Katherine Watson.
The 50-year-old, also known as Katie, was reported missing yesterday.
Extensive searches have been carried out since then to locate her.
1/3 pic.twitter.com/4HCAUUxB5J
— Northumbria Police (@northumbriapol) September 20, 2024
“Sadly, this morning a body was discovered in the Jesmond Dene area.
“Formal identification has yet to take place, however it is believed to be Katherine.”
Northumberland Police confirmed that Watson’s next of kin have been told about the new developments and “are being supported by specially-trained officers”.
The police force signed off: “This is an incredibly sad outcome and our thoughts are with Katherine’s loved ones at this difficult time.
“We continue to support them and we ask that their privacy is respected.
“Thank you to everyone who supported our search for Katherine.”
Tributes soon flooded in for Watson after Northumberland Police shared the sad announcement, with many social media users branding her a “lovely woman”.
On X, one person wrote in response to the announcement: “Such sad news- thoughts with her family and friends. She will be such a miss to the Newcastle Hospitals family.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
ITV The Voice’s Tom Fletcher left in tears as he admits ‘I’m a mess’ over show firstBBC Bargain Hunt’s Natasha Raskin Sharp sparks frenzy with cryptic baby updateCelebrity MasterChef fans outraged as star makes final three despite crucial mistake
“I’m so sorry. Deepest condolences to Katie’s family and loved ones. What a tragic outcome. RIP Katie,” a second added.
A third similarly paid tribute: “Extremely sad. She seemed to be such a kind and impressive woman.”
And a fourth echoed: “This is such sad news…she was such a lovely woman, loved by all where she worked. RIP Katie..” (sic)
Watson, who served as the head of chaplaincy at Newcastle NHS Trust, endeared herself to Channel 4 viewers after starring in the docuseries with staff welfare hound Poppy.
The TV personality previously served in the army having joined at 18 years of age and completing operational tours in Bosnia, Croatia, and Northern Ireland.
She left the army in 2002 and began her ordination training before joining the Newcastle NHS Trust in 2007.