An urgent search has been launched for a much-loved Channel 4 star as officers grow “increasingly concerned for her welfare.”
Katherine Watson, 50, was last seen in the Heaton Road area of Newcastle at approximately 1pm on Thursday (September 19). The broadcaster, known by many as Katie, featured in the popular TV series Geordie Hospital.
The show followed the impressive work of the NHS staff in Newcastle’s hospitals, and displayed the medics work as a chaplain at the RVI and Freeman. A retired doctor who worked with her shared a heartfelt message on social media following the news of her sudden disappearance.
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They penned: “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.”
(Image: Channel 4)
Since the star vanished out of the blue yesterday afternoon, Northumbria Police have launched an urgent appeal. A spokesperson for the force said: “The 50-year-old was last seen in the Heaton road area at around 1pm today, and we’re growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.
“Searches are ongoing to locate Katherine, who is described as a white woman, around 5ft 6ins in height, of slim build, with short light grey hair. She has a number of tattoos on her arms, as well as a military tattoo on her chest.
“She has links to the Heaton and Jesmond areas of Newcastle – but could have travelled further afield. Any info? Please get in touch by sending us a direct message, using the live chat function or report forms on our website, or by calling 101 quoting reference: NP-20240919-0717.”
(Image: Northumbria Police)
She was last seen wearing a green hat, dark trousers and a hooded top carrying a rucksack. The TV star has two children with her long-term partner.
Katie also served as a Royal Military Police veteran where she 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 Guilford.
The veteran was later 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.
(Image: Channel 4)
She joined the Newcastle team in 2007 on a long-term placement and ended up staying before she was appointed as head of chaplaincy for the trust in 2020. Last year, Katie spoke lovingly about her role at the NHS.
The doting mum gushed: “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.
(Image: Channel 4)
“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.” Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
