Channel 4 star Katherine Watson remembered as body found after 'out of character disappearance'

Katherine Watson, who appeared in Channel 4 TV series Geordie Hospital, went missing earlier this week. Northumbria Police has now confirmed a body has been found

A body has been discovered in the search for missing Channel 4 star Katherine Watson, who featured in the TV series Geordie Hospital.

The 50 year old ex-army officer, often known as Katie, vanished earlier this week and was last seen in the Newcastle area on Thursday afternoon. Northumbria Police confirmed on Friday that a body has been found in the search for the star. Although formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed that the body is Katherine's and her next of kin have been informed, police said.

Supt Darren Adams, of Northumbria police, said: "We have some sad news to share with you. We have sadly found a body in the search for missing Newcastle woman Katherine Watson. The 50-year-old, also known as Katie, was reported missing yesterday. Extensive searches have been carried out since then to locate her."

"Sadly, this morning a body was discovered in the Jesmond Dene area. Formal identification has yet to take place, however it is believed to be Katherine. Her next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specially-trained officers. This is an incredibly sad outcome and our thoughts are with Katherine's loved-ones at this difficult time. We continue to support them and we ask that their privacy is respected. Thank you to everyone who supported our search for Katherine."

Katie joined the army at a young age, enlisting when she was just 18 back in 1992. After completing basic training at the Army Women's Training Centre in Guilford, she progressed to the Royal Military Police in Chichester for her trade training. Her military career included two operational tours in Bosnia and Croatia during the turbulent 1990s. She later took on the role of searcher Corporal in Northern Ireland.

In 2002, Katie decided to step back from the armed forces, dedicating herself to training with Humberside Probation. Five years down the line, an NHS placement in Newcastle beckoned, which turned into a permanent position. Her impact was such that by 2022, she attained the position of head of chaplaincy.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late star, highlighting her immense contribution and strength, especially amid the Covid pandemic. A now-retired colleague reminisced on social media that "For many of us at Newcastle Hospitals she was our rock during the worst parts of the Covid Pandemic." Another paid homage, labelling her as "one of the most wonderful women I have had the pleasure of knowing".

A tribute shared on Twitter (X) reads: "Truly sad to hear about Katherine. A runner and someone who dedicated everything to giving back. Such a wonderful soul." Another online mourner added: "The reported death of Katherine Watson is desperately sad. Chaplains saw so many people through the pandemic in circumstances it's hard to appreciate. Plus she'd seen the worst of humanity in the Balkans. Thinking of her family and everyone @NewcastleHosps."

Katie is survived by her partner of 16 years Emily and their two children.

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