Fans of the Channel 4 show First Dates were reaching for their hankies last night after being hit with some sad news.
As the episode closed, we were updated on the progress of the couples who’d met on the programme.
It was revealed that the lovely elderly pair Norman and Margaret had hit it off on their initial meeting, and continued to see each other.
However, just as viewers were feeling all warm inside, they were given the devastating news that poor Norman has since passed away.
Norman and Margaret had made a beautiful match. Margaret, 74, hadn’t been on a date in 40 years, but she evidently took a shine to widower Norman, 72.
The pair bonded over a love of music and adventure, and a video clip showed them dancing happily together.
However, viewers were left stunned when a voiceover explained that loveable Norman died shortly after the show finished filming.
It revealed: “After going on several dates, Norman took Margaret to a Masonic ladies’ night. Norman’s motto was to live life to the full.
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“At 72, Norman’s love for life took him to Greece, where he sadly passed away surrounded by the family he adored.”
The message was later echoed on the official First Dates Twitter feed, where heartbroken viewers queued up to express their sadness.
One fan wrote: “Heartbroken watching #FirstDates – genuinely sobbing. Norman had such an appreciation for life.”
Another added: “I’m so sad. Norman seemed such a genuinely lovely guy & I was delighted to see he & Margaret got together. RIP Norman.”
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And a third viewer agreed: “So sad – they made a lovely couple. Glad that he was happy in the end. Now reunited with his wife xx.”
It wasn’t all bad news on last night’s show, however, and there was a rather big announcement about same-sex couple Greig and Shaun.
The pair, who met on the Channel 4 show back in summer, are to get married.