Blankety Blank viewers were left heartbroken by a poignant tribute at the end of the most recent episode. The Saturday night show featured Nathaneal Hill, who participated in the BBC quiz programme helmed by Bradley Walsh.
Nathaneal, hailing from Liverpool, served as an armour officer in the Royal Air Force, completing six tours in Iraq, four in Afghanistan, and contributing to Operation Red Flag.
While on duty in south-central Asia, at age 39, Nathaneal was wounded by shrapnel from a roadside bomb that was set off remotely. His injuries led to a medical discharge from the RAF as he battled PTSD and was considered no longer "operationally" viable.
On the show, which featured celebrities Jack Dee, Rob Beckett, Lucy Beaumont, Steph McGovern, Kelly Holmes, and Omid Djalili as panellists, Nathaneal even unveiled his prosthetic limb after expressing to Bradley his hope of winning a running blade for his leg.
"I'm not sure that's in Blankety Blank's remit to give you a running blade but we can give you a toaster or a kettle!" Bradley joked, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Nathaneal triumphed in his round against fellow contestant Jean, progressing to the grand final for a face-off with Jack Dee – which he won.
However, emotions ran high as the credits ended, showcasing a photograph of Nathaneal on a horse, with the dates 1985 to 2025 captioning the image, revealing the sad news of his passing since the broadcast was filmed.
One viewer expressed their shock: "Well I wasn't expecting that. Poor Nathaniel. RIP."
A second shared their grief: "Wow. That's so sad. RIP Nathaneal."
Another watcher remarked: "Well i don't normally bother with the credits at the end of #blanketyblank but that was a sad way to finish a jolly show."
A fourth viewer relayed their experience: "Bit of Saturday night TV and watched #blanketyblank - kids are distraught! RIP Nathanael."
They further paid respects by adding: "RIP Nathanael. Fly high."
In April, the Liverpool Echo reported Nathaneal's passing revealing how four years after finishing his service in the force, he was diagnosed with late-onset type 1 diabetes, which doctors believed had been "festering" for years.
He also developed a blood clot in his leg during the Covid-19 outbreak, preventing full recovery of the limb. Nathaneal endured three serious sepsis infections and was revived twice. He was eventually faced with a grim choice at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital: "Your life or your leg?" In October 2022, Nathaneal decided to have an above-knee amputation.
Just last year, Nathaneal communicated to the Echo his resolve to return to triathlons and started fundraising endeavours to support his goal of winning gold for Team GB at the 2028 LA Paralympics. Nathaneal also had history as a player and coach with Liverpool Tritons RUFC.
Following his death, Liverpool Tritons RUFC released a heartfelt tribute to their coach. The statement 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.
"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.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Nate's family, loved ones, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Nate."
Blankety Blank is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
