The first episode of the new season of Ireland’s Fittest Family on RTÉ has been postponed following the death of a teenage participant.
The young contestant, aged 14, was found deceased in his bed at home on Monday.
He was from the Blakestown area, near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin, and was part of a family who were heavily involved in sport and fitness.
It is understood he played a match on Sunday and went to bed in his home but never woke up.
His family, the local community, and students in his school in Blanchardstown have been left devastated by the tragic news.
The teenager had no known underlying health conditions before his death, it is understood.
The programme was due to be broadcast this Sunday evening.
In a statement, RTÉ said the decision to postpone followed the death of a person who had taken part in the series “subsequent” to the completion of filming.
“RTÉ and Kite/Animo productions wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and friends at this time,” the broadcaster said. “Further details regarding the broadcast of the series will be provided in due course.”
The TV show was due to return to RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player this Sunday at 6.30pm.
Sixteen families compete on the show, supported by Cork sporting stars Anna Geary, Sonia O’Sullivan, and Donncha O’Callaghan, as well as Clare hurling legend Davy Fitzgerald.
The show aims to test the families’ fitness, speed, strength, and endurance.
Filming had already taken place for the series before the tragic news of the teenager’s death emerged.
The series was recorded during the summer in Wicklow’s Killruddery Estate, and all the necessary editing had been completed.