![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/first-dates-staff-merlin-griffiths-752692817.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
It has created household names out of many of its stars with Laura Tott and CiCi Coleman all becoming TV regulars from the show.<\/p>\n
However, many have faced tragedy throughout their lives.<\/p>\n
A number of the participants on the programme have sadly passed away leaving many fans saddened at the news<\/span>. One tragic show star even passed before his episode made it to transmission.<\/p>\n Here is a look at some of the show's most tragic stars. <\/p>\n 32 year old nurse and former Miss Bikini Ireland, Judy Fitzgerald, tragically died unexpectedly in May of this year. <\/p>\n She made her TV debut on the Irish edition of First Dates last year where she enjoyed a dinner date with Aaron.<\/p>\n Judy was a frontline worker and saw tributes pour in following her heartbreaking passing. <\/p>\n One friend described her as a "girl that would light up a room with her smile," before another pal said she was a "beautiful soul".<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Blonde beauty Judy enjoyed a flirty date with Aaron who cheekily remarked that there was someone else in Ireland "prettier than him" in the form of Judy.<\/p>\n Merlin has been a regular face on the Channel 4 dating show thanks to his role as a much-loved bartender.<\/p>\n As part of his role, Merlin would often be the first one to clap his eyes on a couple's first meeting and share his views on how he thought the match would go.<\/p>\n Skilled at his job, the dates would be left impressed as the drinks that were on offer.<\/p>\n However, away from the cameras, Merlin has faced some tragic health woes.<\/p>\n In 2021, the 48 year old confirmed that he had been diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer.<\/p>\n He shared his journey with the illness on Instagram for his fans to keep up to date and he was left flooded with well wishes.<\/p>\n Thankfully, the star confirmed that he had completed his treatment in April this year and was cancer-free.<\/p>\n He then said to fellow suffers of the terrible disease: "Love to all you fellow bowel cancer peeps, keep on keeping on!"<\/p>\n Tragically Jordan died at the age of 29 – years after he made his debut on First Dates.<\/p>\n In 2017, he took part in the programme to see if he was able to find his forever match.<\/p>\n Despite hitting things off with Barry, the pair struggled to make anything romantic and confirmed that they were just friends at the end of the show.<\/p>\n The star took part in the Irish edition of the show as well as another TV programee, My Yellow Brick Road.<\/p>\n Speaking about the star's tragic passing, First Dates Ireland's production company COCO Content said: "Our hearts<\/span> our broken with the death of Jordan Dunbar, such a talented and beautiful person. We first met him on First Dates and he went on to present My Yellow Brick Road on RTE. He was a joy to work with and it was a privilege to know him. Deepest sympathy to all who loved him."<\/p>\n In 2017, fans were left heartbroken when it was confirmed that Norman Whitter had passed away before his episode had even aired.<\/p>\n Aged 72, the show saw Norman enjoy his first date in over 40 years.<\/p>\n He met 74 year old Margaret on the show and the pair continued to date and enjoy each other's company for some timeafter the recording.<\/p>\n However, Norman's untimely death followed which left many heartbroken.<\/p>\nMore on First Dates<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/newspress-collage-24102271-1695481346624.jpg\")
<\/picture>'WORK ROMPS' <\/span><\/p>\n'Sex addict' doctor was on First Dates 'while using surgery for romps'<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/DD-whatsapp-group-instructions-v2_COMP.jpg\")
<\/picture>I'VE GOT A TEXT! <\/span><\/p>\nHow to join The Sun's brilliant new WhatsApp channel in three easy steps<\/h3>\n
Judy Fitzgerald<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/judy-fitzgerald-public-figure-celebrity-821555304.jpg\")
5<\/span>Most read in TV<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/newspress-collage-24181736-1695891542868.jpg\")
<\/picture>WEIGHTY TOPIC <\/span><\/p>\nEastEnders legend unrecognisable as he brands himself ‘a fat b*****d’<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/susie-dent-countdown-730457914.jpg\")
<\/picture>SUSIE’S SCARE <\/span><\/p>\nSusie Dent opens up on cancer scare after TV colleague spotted worrying sign<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/newspress-collage-24173572-1695828064660.jpg\")
<\/picture>HOSPITAL DASH <\/span><\/p>\nKirstie Allsopp pulls out of Location after ‘scariest moment of my life’<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/use-21-days-issue-use-763149696-11.jpg\")
<\/picture>AWKS <\/span><\/p>\nStrictly star\u2019s fianc\u00e9e snubs his partner – sparking \u2018secret feud\u2019 rumours<\/h3>\n
Merlin Griffiths <\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/merlin-griffiths-first-dates-tumour-726559136.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJordan Dunbar<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/jordan-predeceased-loving-mam-sharon-801337765.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNorman Whitter<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/norman-whitter-first-dates-screengrab-848484723.jpg\")
<\/p>\nREAD MORE SUN STORIES<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/crop-11296413-1.jpg\")
<\/picture>![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/newspress-collage-24170807-1695829585722.jpg\")
<\/picture>