The pair became close friends on the dating show...
Sam Thompson penned a heartbreaking tribute to his friend Mike Thalassitis - who tragically died by suicide over the weekend - admitting that he felt 'ashamed' for 'judging a book by its cover.' 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 Celebs Go Dating.
"A person just died. A friend just died. Someone that I know in my heart of hearts I could have done more for," he began. "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.
![Sam Thompson and Mike Thalassitis](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c8f/6ea7/fc0b/cf3c/3f65/33b1/sam-and-mike.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
"I remember the first time I laid eyes upon him. I remember the words that came to my head… Fuck 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.
"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.
GALLERY: Paying tribute to celebrities who have died in 2019
Celebrity Deaths 2019 - stacked USE THIS ONE
![Freddie Starr, 76](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5cd5/4525/8bba/af17/c092/d632/GettyImages-136025723.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Freddie Starr, 76
Freddie Starr, of The Sun's "Freddie Starr ate my hamster" fame, was found dead in May at his home in Spain by a carer.
![Celebrity Deaths 2019](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c34/9e74/2793/bc18/0747/66d2/GettyImages-655009270.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Annalise Braakensiek, 46
Former Play Your Cards Right model Annalise Braakensiek, who worked with TV legend Bruce Forsythe on the show, was found dead in her new house in January 2019. "Everything seems to feel twisted and upside down at the moment," she wrote on social media, shortly before her death. "Life's challenges have been deep, dark, difficult, demanding and down right scary lately."
![Martha Ross](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c51/c085/306c/e67a/8337/d24e/martha-Ross.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Martha Ross, 79
Jonathan Ross paid tribute to his mum Martha in January 2019 after she died aged 79, She played a stall-holder at Bridge Street Market in EastEnders.
![Celebrity Deaths 2019](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c6b/ff84/7ffe/f44e/3176/42ed/Karl-Largerfield.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Karl Lagerfeld, 85
Fashion powerhouse and Creative Director of Chanel since 1983 and Fendi since 1965, Karl died in Paris in February following a brief period of ill health, continuing to work right up until his death.One of the most prolific and controversial figures in fashion, tributes have poured in for Karl following the tragic news. "Fashion show after fashion show, collection after collection, Karl Lagerfeld left his mark on the legend of Gabrielle Chanel and the history of the House of Chanel," Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, said today. "He steadfastly promoted the talent and expertise of Chanel's ateliers and Métiers d'Art, allowing this exceptional know-how to shine throughout the world. The greatest tribute we can pay today is to continue to follow the path he traced by – to quote Karl – 'continuing to embrace the present and invent the future'."
![Peter Tork, 77](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c6f/f1d4/abe7/665a/ac78/a8f3/GettyImages-607000218.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Peter Tork, 77
The bassist of 70's pop group the Monkees passed away peacefully at his home in February, aged 77. A statement from his family on his facebook page said,"Peter succumbed to a 10 year bout with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Peter's energy, intelligence, silliness, and curiosity were traits that for decades brought laughter and enjoyment to millions, including those of us closest to him. Those traits also equipped him well to take on cancer, a condition he met with unwavering humor and courage.
![Albert Finney, 82](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c6f/f3b2/abe7/665a/ac78/a92c/GettyImages-526898012.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Albert Finney, 82
Legendary actor Albert Finney, who played Daddy Warbucks in Annie, died in February after "a short illness",
![Mark Hollis, 64](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c75/1459/5cd1/856b/7833/f757/GettyImages-185052576.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Mark Hollis, 64
Founder and front-man of 80's synthpop band Mark Hollis died age 64 in February from unspecified causes, with tributes to musician pouring in on Twitter."RIP Mark Hollis. Cousin-in-law," wrote Anthony Costelloe. "Wonderful husband and father. Fascinating and principled man. Retired from the music business 20 years ago but an indefinable musical icon."And a former band mate said, "Musically he was a genius and it was a honour and a privilege to have been in a band with him."I have not seen Mark for many years, but like many musicians of our generation I have been profoundly influenced by his trailblazing musical ideas."
![Lisa Sheridan, 44](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c78/28c3/f859/bc74/7e51/9fd2/GettyImages-85554143.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Lisa Sheridan, 44
Actress Lisa Sheridan, best known for her roles in CSI: Miami and other US TV series', was found dead in her home aged just 44 in February.
![Janice Freeman, 33](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c7e/432d/86a8/7e08/7d5f/65ed/GettyImages-1028293188.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Janice Freeman, 33
Janice Freeman, of The Voice fame, has died in March age 33. Her cause of death is thought to be a fatal blood caught caused by an extreme case of pneumonia. "A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained notoriety through her success on NBC's 'The Voice' as a member of Miley Cyrus' team," a statement said. "Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus."
![Luke Perry, 52](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c7e/44be/86a8/7e08/7d5f/6625/GettyImages-1047745034.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Luke Perry, 52
Actor Luke Perry, who starred in Beverly Hills 90210 and Netflix hit Riverdale, has died from a stroke age 52 in March.
![Keith Flint, 49](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c7e/4501/86a8/7e08/7d5f/662e/GettyImages-896915582.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Keith Flint, 49
Tributes from across the world of music and dance have poured in for The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, after he was found dead in his Essex property on Monday 4th March. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
![Mike Thalassitis](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c8d/5f08/2226/0534/769d/bb4b/Screen%20Shot%202019-03-16%20at%208.07.56%20PM%20copy.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Mike Thalassitis, 26
Love Island 2017 cast member Mike Thalassitis was found dead in woodland near his home in Essex in March 2019.
![Britain's Got Talent](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5c9c/f1eb/e93f/e064/7b81/e31e/jack-saunders.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Jack Saunders, 25
Britain's Got Talent finalist Jack Saunders died in March 2019. He was part of the dance troupe Green Force Five, and had also performed at the Olympics, 2012, as well as on X Factor and Sky's Got To Dance. His girlfriend Frankie has since spoken out about men's mental health, and the importance of seeking help.
![Alex Mytton's mum](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5ca7/3c17/c24e/f906/6904/8094/Screen%20Shot%202019-04-05%20at%2012.24.26%20PM.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Alex Mytton's mum
Made in Chelsea's Alex Mytton's mum passed away after a short battle with brain cancer in March."You really were the kindest, most caring, beautiful all-round woman and undoubtedly the biggest force for good in my life," he wrote on Instagram. "I owe you infinitely for shaping me to be the man I am today."
![Sandy Ratcliff, 70](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5cbf/2bf8/3d6d/f454/587d/8353/eastenders-spoilers-sandy-ratcliff.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Sandy Ratcliff, 70
EastEnders star Sandy Ratcliff, who played cafe owner Sue Osman, sadly passed away at the age of 70.
![Mya-Lecia Naylor, 16](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5cbf/2bf8/3d6d/f454/587d/8352/mya-lecia-naylor-died-3.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Mya-Lecia Naylor, 16
CBBC fans have been left devastated following the news that TV star Mya-Lecia Naylor has died. The 16-year-old star, who appeared in TV shows Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, passed away on April 7th after collapsing.
![Elsa Patton, 84](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5cd9/5848/ccef/ea23/42a7/7312/GettyImages-151673971.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Elsa Patton, 84
Real Housewives of Miami star Elsa Patton passed away in May aged 84. She rose to fame after her daughter, Marysol Patton was cast in the Miami version of the Real Housewives franchise. "Our beloved Elsa Patton (AKA Mama Elsa) passed away over Mother's Day weekend after a long illness," the family said in a statement. "She was surrounded by her family and close friends. Elsa was predeceased by her husband of 50 years Donald Patton who passed away last February of 2018,"
![Melissa Ede, 58](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5cda/7d72/f5fa/1e27/1516/aa1f/Screen%20Shot%202019-05-14%20at%2009.33.35.png?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Melissa Ede, 58
Trans lottery winner Melissa Ede, who once told Closer she hoped to outshine Caitlyn Jenner as a trans icon, passed away aged 58 in May 2019. She died less than a week after a 5-day hospital stay after showing 'classic signs' of a heart attack."It does make you think. While I was laid on the bed with ambulance people around me, you do start to think 's**t what is this all about?What am I doing, I have just won £4m and I'm going to peg it?'. I need to be doing more in life," she said.Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/13/transgender-national-lottery-winner-melissa-ede-dies-58-9511608/?ito=cbshareTwitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/
![Doris Day, 97](https://images.bauerhosting.com/legacy/media/5cda/804d/f5fa/1e27/1516/aa76/GettyImages-166979318.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Doris Day, 97
Hollywood icon Doris Day has died aged 97.Her roles in some of the biggest films from Hollywood's golden era, including Calamity Jane, Pillow Talk and her hit 1956 record Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be), made into one of the most celebrated film stars of all time.
"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."
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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.” He concluded: “You are a far better man than i mate, and I will always remember you."