Sam Thompson left fans in tears with a heartbreaking tribute to his friend and Celebs Go Dating co-star Mike Thalassitis.
The Made In Chelsea star, 26, took to Instagram on Sunday to share a poignant post after Mike was found found dead 26 on Saturday morning in Edmonton, North London.
Sam and Mike met whilst starring on E4 show, Celebs Go Dating last year, with Sam confessing that he initially 'judged' Mike, and assumed he was a 'cocksure Lothario'.
Good friends: Sam Thompson left fans in tears with a heartbreaking tribute to his friend and Celebs Go Dating co-star Mike Thalassitis after the Love Island star was found dead
Revealing that he felt the need to post so that people who know the 'kind of guy' Mike was, he explained: '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. [sic]'
Explaining that Mike's presence initially left him feeling 'insecure', Sam added that he was later 'ashamed' at how he had prejudged the Love Island star.
'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' Sam recalled.
'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. [sic]'
Paid tribute: The Made In Chelsea star, 26, took to Instagram on Sunday to share a poignant post after Mike was found found dead 26 on Saturday morning in Edmonton, North London
Revealing that Mike had himself and Celebs Go Dating receptionist Tom Read Wilson in hysterics, Sam continued: 'He 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.
'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 like an outsider. [sic]'
Firm friends: Sam and Mike met whilst starring on E4 show, Celebs Go Dating last year, with Sam confessing that he initially 'judged' Mike, and assumed he was a 'cocksure Lothario'
Reflecting on their friendship, he continued: '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. [sic]'
Sam concluded: 'You are a far better man than i mate, and i will always remember you.'
Reflection: Revealing that Mike had himself and Celebs Go Dating receptionist Tom Read Wilson in hysterics, Sam reflected on their happier times
Sam's heartfelt post was praised by his followers, who admitted the star's kind words had left them in tears.
Tom Read Wilson also commented, confessing: 'I’m completely undone. I love you so. I shall treasure our Scottish memories especially. What you’ve done here is very special: you’ve painted and intimate portrait of the man we adored. Xxx'
Mike was found hanged on Saturday morning in a park in Edmonton, North London.
