Ben Shephard pays tribute to Tipping Point contestant who passed away before 'poignant' episode aired as he sends ...

Ben Shephard has paid tribute to a Tipping Point contestant who passed away before their episode aired on Wednesday evening.

The TV presenter, 47, took to his Twitter to announce that one of the show's players had died after the recording.

He revealed that Cath, a retired school bus driver from Bolton, had passed away, and sent his condolences to her family.

Poignant: Ben Shephard has paid tribute to a Tipping Point contestant who passed away before their episode aired on Wednesday evening

Alongside a photo of the episode's contestants, Ben wrote: 'Today’s Tipping Point is a poignant one… since recording the show, lovely contestant Cath, pictured backstage here, has passed away.

'Our thoughts and love are with her family and friends x'

Fans rushed to share their own messages of sorrow to Cath's loved ones, with one writing: 'Very caring Ben. Sorry to hear the sad news and my thoughts go out to her family sad very sad'.

Tragic: The TV presenter, 47, took to his Twitter to announce that one of the show's players had died after the recording

Condolences: He revealed that Cath (pictured), a retired school bus driver from Bolton, had passed away, and sent his condolences to her family

Another echoed: 'Awww, so sad, I was just literally watched it earlier this evening the episode. 

'My deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family, may her soul rest in peace'.

A third chimed in to add: 'Awww bless her that's so sad. Sincere condolences to all of her family x'.

Tribute: Alongside a photo of the episode's contestants, Ben wrote: 'Today’s Tipping Point is a poignant one… since recording the show, lovely contestant Cath, pictured backstage here, has passed away'

Cath's granddaughter Kadie, also took to Twitter to thank Ben for his kind words, writing: 'Thank you for your kind words for my nan, she was so excited that she got to meet you'.

The moving tribute comes after Ben was left shocked as Tuesday night's episode saw one contestant break a Tipping Point record.

Lucky player Toyah, managed to drop 17 counters in her opening go, giving her quite a head start.  

Her winning streak continued and, by the end of round one, Torah smashed the 'show's record' with £2,450. 

On her penalty scoring top-up, Ben revealed: 'We take that £550 from the penalty pot and put it into your bank and, as you can see, that's £1,500.

'You managed to create Tipping Point history because that is a record in this round without a double. You are breaking Tipping Point records.'

Sad: Fans rushed to share their own messages of sorrow to Cath's loved ones, with one writing: 'Very caring Ben. Sorry to hear the sad news and my thoughts go out to her family sad very sad'