Body found in search for missing Channel 4 star Katherine Watson, 50, as map reveals last sighting
POLICE searching for a missing Channel 4 star have tragically found a body.
Katherine Watson, 50, was last seen in the Heaton Road area of Newcastle at around 1pm yesterday.
The much-loved chaplain, known as Katie by many, featured in the popular TV series Geordie Hospital.
Police have now confirmed a body has been found in the Jesmond Dene area of the city.
Formal identification has yet to take place, however the body is believed to belong to mum-of-two Katherine.
Officers do not believe there is any third-party involvement and a report will now be prepared for the coroner.
Superintendent Darren Adams, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly sad outcome and our thoughts are with Katherine’s loved-ones at this difficult time.
“We will continue to support them in any way we can and we ask that their privacy is respected.
“Our thanks go to everyone who shared our appeals, provided information and supported our search for Katherine.”
A huge search was launched for Katherine after she disappeared yesterday wearing a green hat, dark trousers and hooded top and carrying a rucksack.
Police said her disappearance was “out of character” and that they were “increasingly concerned for her welfare”.
Katherine featured in Geordie Hospital, which followed the extraordinary work of NHS staff in Newcastle’s hospitals.
She featured due to her role as chaplain at the RVI and Freeman.
A retired doctor who worked with her wrote a heartfelt message on social media following her shock disappearance.
They said: “For many of us at Newcastle Hospitals she was our rock during the worst parts of the Covid pandemic.
Another described her as “one of the most wonderful women I have had the pleasure of knowing”.
Katherine 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 Guildford.
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.
The Channel 4 star also has two children with her long-time partner.