
An inquest has revealed that a former Come Dine With Me competitor was discovered dead in his bedroom at his house by his brother.
Nicholas Paul Blything, 36, of Chester, died on June 15, 2022.
Five months later, an episode of Come Dine With Me in which he appeared aired on Channel 4, with a homage to him at the close of the show.
An inquest into Blything’s death was held in Warrington on Monday, January 9, this year, during which regional coroner Claire Welch read out a statement from Cheshire Police Detective Sergeant Paul Davies.
The statement read: ‘Nicholas’ brother Richard Blything had attempted to speak to him after his sister had raised concerns that Nicholas had not been in touch. It was Richard who found him and provided police with the formal identification.’
As reported by Cheshire Live, it continued: ‘He had entered the property without the need of the key because it was unlocked and he had been around to see neighbours, who had a spare key. As he entered he couldn’t hear the dog barking, which was unusual, and he found his brother in the top bedroom.’
Two suicide notes were discovered at the location, according to the publication.
Blything was sectioned under the Mental Health Act after allegedly suffering from mental health concerns for a “few of years” and being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Members of Blything’s family and medical specialists reported that he was ‘better’.
He is alleged to have contacted his local mental health team, his primary care physician, and the Crisis helpline.
Mrs Welch also read out a statement from Blything’s brother Richard Blything, which read: ‘In recent months, subsequent to the incident in April and being sectioned by the mental health team, he had been depressed and anxious about his future. But once he started on anti-depressants, his mood had lifted.
‘Richard was asked by the mental health team if he thought Nicholas would take his own life, to which he said “no” because he genuinely never felt he would.’
Richard said that his brother had been ‘very buoyant’ in the days before his death, adding: ‘Richard said that it sounded like his brother was “coming back to the best he had heard him for years”.’
The coroner concluded that Blything had died by suicide.
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.