Celebs Go Dating’s Sam Thompson shares heartbreaking tribute to Mike Thalassitis

Sam Thompson has penned a heartbreaking tribute to his friend Mike Thalassitis - who tragically passed away over the weekend - admitting that he felt 'ashamed' for 'judging a book by its cover' when they met on Celebs Go Dating in 2018.

Sam confessed he 'wasn’t going to write a post' and candidly wrote that he felt he 'could have done more' for his co-star. In the Instagram post, the reality star praised Mike's personality and shared some touching memories of the pair when they both tried to find love on the celebrity matchmaking show.

The heartfelt post read, 'A person just died. A friend just died. Someone that I know in my heart of hearts I could have done more for. I met Mike on Celebs Go Dating. I was told he was joining the show with me and my heart sank. I had heard all of the things said about this so called lothario. This cock sure arrogant guy, who was fresh out of Love Island and ready to steam roll this dating show that I was so terrified to join.

'I remember the first time I laid eyes upon him. I remember the words that came to my head... F--- me, he’s a Greek god. I had genuinely never seen a more perfect specimen of man. He looked like everything I WISHED I looked like. Needless to say an already pretty insecure Sam retreated straight into his shell. That was it. Game over. This Alpha Male had come over, and knocked me for six.'

He continued, 'What happened next surprised me. He came over to me, handed me a drink, apologised for not saying hello earlier, told me he was terrified and said he couldn't wait to hang out more. I stood there rather ashamed at how badly I had just judged a book by its cover.

'Over the next few months, the shame only grew. This guy was one of the most polite gentlemen I had ever met. He had Tom [Celebs Go Dating receptionist] bowled over in a day (Tom is a very good judge of character in my opinion), and had us in stitches of laughter when he would recount his Love Island stories.'

'Not once was he crass about anything that happened, or bitter about how it all ended,' he revealed. 'What I did see that I believe he was trying to hide when he was telling stories of how ‘Muggy Mike’ was born, was sadness.

'From what I heard, he went into this show he knew practically nothing about, late, and into a pack of Alpha males who wanted nothing more than to win, and gain all the bonuses that that entailed. It wasn’t easy for Mike in that villa. From what i heard he got ostracised as soon as he went in, and apart from a select few people, was treated.'

Sam continued his statement in the comments section, writing, 'I have been incredibly lucky over the past year to have met a man like Mike. A friend who, much like the guy I’m currently on tv with has never had trouble being the cool guy or dating women, but who was also so kind, and would pick an insecure wimp like me off the floor time and time again, and make me feel confident, and part of the gang. You are a far better man than I mate, and I will always remember you.'

If you're struggling with your mental health, Samaritans can provide 24/7 confidential support on their free helpline. Dial 116 113.