Channel 4 star, 50, missing as cops grow ‘increasingly concerned for her welfare’ and desperate search launched
A DESPERATE search has been launched for a much-loved Channel 4 star as cops grow “increasingly concerned for her welfare”.
Katherine Watson, 50, was last seen in the Heaton Road area of Newcastle at around 1pm on Thursday September 19.
Katherine, known as Katie by many, featured in the popular TV series Geordie Hospital.
The show followed the extraordinary work of NHS staff in Newcastle’s hospitals, and displayed Katie’s work as a chaplain at the RVI and Freeman.
A retired doctor who worked with her wrote a heartfelt message on social media following her shock disappearance.
“For many of us at Newcastle Hospitals she was our rock during the worst parts of the Covid pandemic,” they penned.
Another described her as “one of the most wonderful women I have had the pleasure of knowing”.
Since vanishing yesterday afternoon, Northumbria Police have launched an urgent appeal.
The 50-year-old is around 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build and has short, light grey hair.
She was last seen wearing a green hat, dark trousers and hooded top, carrying a rucksack.
Katie has tattoos on her arms and a military tattoo on her chest.
She is known to have links in the Heaton and Jesmond areas.
The Channel 4 star has two children with her long-time partner.
A spokesperson for the force said: “The 50-year-old was last seen in the Heaton Road area at around 1pm today, and we’re growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.
“Searches are ongoing to locate Katherine, who is described as a white woman, around 5ft 6ins in height, of slim build, with short light grey hair.
“Katherine was last seen wearing a green hat, a back pack, with dark trousers and a dark hooded top.
“She has a number of tattoos on her arms, as well as a military tattoo on her chest.
“She has links to the Heaton and Jesmond areas of Newcastle – but could have travelled further afield.
“Any info? Please get in touch by sending us a direct message, using the live chat function or report forms on our website, or by calling 101 quoting reference: NP-20240919-0717.”
Katie also served as a Royal Military Police veteran and worked in conflict zones such as in the Balkans and Northern Ireland.
She joined the Army at the age of 18 and completed basic training at Army Women’s Training Centre in Guilford.
The veteran was selected to attend the commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and was commissioned in August 1997.
In 2002 she left the Army and trained with Humberside Probation service.
She joined the Newcastle team in 2007 on a long placement ended up staying before being appointed as head of chaplaincy for the trust in 2020.
Last year Katie spoke lovingly about her role and told the NHS: “No two days are ever the same which means I never know what a shift is going to bring. I spend a lot of my time journeying alongside patients, relatives and the staff, be that on the wards or in the chapel of rest.
“I have the privilege of being with people at the very best and the very worst of times.
“I enjoy coming to work every day and am proud to be a part of a team that values and supports me. As a former army officer, I particularly recognise how being a part of this Trust, echoes my experiences of good leadership and a strong team ethos.”
In her spare time, Katie said she is qualified as an Inshore Rescue Boat Coxswain and loves ultra-distance trail running and fast packing.