Nathanael Hill appeared on the BBC One show on Saturday night

Nathanael Hill, left, alongside host Bradley Walsh(Image: BBC)

Blankety Blank viewers were left in shock after learning at the end of Saturday night’s episode that the winning contestant had sadly died since filming.

Nathanael Hill appeared on the BBC One show, presented by Bradley Walsh, and was seen winning the star prize at the end of the programme.

However, after the credits finished, an in memoriam screen appeared simply saying ‘Nathanael Hill 1985 – 2025.’

Viewers were quick to express their sadness on social media after learning Nathaneal had since sadly died.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, @Johnboy_Cook said: “Wow. That’s so sad. RIP Nathaneal.” @Di2409 added: “RIP Nathaneal fly high.”

While, @lovelybones2013 wrote: “Oh that’s sad… RIP Nathaniel” and @dazfromsomerset said: “Oh sad he passed away young.”

Nathanael, from Kirby in Merseyside, died in April 2025, according to the Liverpool Echo.

He had been an armour officer in the Royal Air Force and during his time completed six tours of Iraq, four tours of Afghanistan and worked on Operation Red Flag.

During a stint in south-central Asia, the 39-year-old got injured by shrapnel from a roadside bomb which was remotely detonated and was medically discharged.

An in memoriam screen appeared at the end of the show saying ‘Nathanael Hill 1985 – 2025.’(Image: BBC)

Four years after leaving the military Nathanael was diagnosed with late-onset type 1 diabetes. Doctors also found blood clot in his leg during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it meant his leg was never able to fully heal.

After Nathanael contracted three bouts of sepsis he decided to have an above-knee amputation on his leg.

Tributes were paid to Nathanael after news of his death broke in April. Tritons RUFC shared a touching tribute which read: “It is with deep sadness that Liverpool Tritons RUFC announces the passing of our dear friend, former player, and coach, Nathanael Hill – known to many simply as Nate.

“Nate was a cherished member of the Tritons for several years. As both a formidable player on the pitch and a passionate, dedicated coach off it, Nate brought skill, heart, and a contagious enthusiasm to everything he did. His commitment to inclusive rugby and to our community helped shape the club into what it is today.”

The tribute added: “More than his achievements in the game, Nate will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humour, and the unwavering support he showed to teammates, new players, and friends alike. His loss will be felt deeply across the club and far beyond.”

His friend Simon Bartley said: “His friends will remember him as someone with a big heart, always willing to offer support to anyone. A shining light has dimmed with the loss of Nate, we have lost a champion for inclusion and a great friend to so many.”

Before his death, Nathanael began fundraising to help with his dream of achieving gold for Team GB at the 2028 LA Paralympics.