One of RTÉ’s biggest shows, Ireland’s Fittest Family, has been rocked by the death of one of this year’s competitors.
News of the heartbreaking passing of the Dublin teenager spread around his locality on Monday morning, just weeks before he was due to appear on the hit show – which features celebrity coaches Antrim hurling coach Davy Fitzgerald, camogie player and presenter Anna Geary, former Ireland rugby player Donncha O’Callaghan and Olympic medallist Sonia O’Sullivan.
Show makers had recorded the lengthy series during the summer in Wicklow’s Killruddery Estate and had complete all the necessary editing.
But earlier today, RTÉ removed the popular reality show from their websites and cancelled a publicity slot on Friday’s Late Late Show.
One local described the teenager as a “really nice kid who will be sorely missed”.
“The whole area will be devastated by this news.
“He was so young and was one of those kids that had the whole world ahead of him. He was super fit. Like his family. So it was no surprise that he and his family appeared on the hit show.”
In a statement, RTÉ said: “The broadcast of the new series of Ireland’s Fittest Family, originally scheduled to begin this Sunday night, has now been postponed following the death of one of this year’s participants subsequent to the completion of the series. RTÉ and Kite/Animo productions wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and friends at this time.
“Further details regarding the broadcast of the series will be provided in due course.”