Families' fear over missing TV star

Relatives and friends of missing children's TV presenter Mark Speight have said they are "deeply worried" about him.

The 42-year-old, whose actress fiancée Natasha Collins died on January 3 after a drugs binge, is famous for fronting kids' shows SMart and SMarteenies.

On Monday, he failed to turn up to meet Miss Collins' mother Carmen, 57, in Covent Garden, central London, and was last seen in Chamberlayne Road walking towards Chelmsford Square in Kilburn, northwest London, between 1.15pm and 1.30pm.

The disappearance comes six days after an inquest heard Miss Collins was found dead in the bath of the flat they shared in St John's Wood, northwest London. She had taken a "very significant" amount of cocaine as well as alcohol and a sleeping tablet.

The inquest recorded a misadventure verdict and also heard that the 31-year-old was found with hot water burns covering about 60 per cent of her body. Mr Speight was arrested but later released without charge. He subsequently quit his SMart show.

A statement issued on behalf of the Speight and Collins families said: "Mark has not been seen since 1pm yesterday and because of his fragile state of mind, both Mark's family and Natasha's family, as well as all his friends, are deeply worried."

The statement continued: "We notified police because of our concerns and we just want to know he is safe. We would urge Mark, if he hears this appeal, to get in touch.

"We don't have any more information at this time. If anyone does have any knowledge as to Mark's whereabouts or has seen Mark in the last 24 hours, please contact Edmonton police station immediately."

The statement was issued outside the home of Mrs Collins. Mr Speight had been living with her since her daughter's death.

Scotland Yard issued a statement which said: "Mark is approximately 6ft tall, of slim build, with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown suit jacket, dark jeans and a brown flat cap. Police and Mark's friends and family are concerned for his welfare."

Mr Speight, originally from Wolverhampton, shot to fame as the rubber-faced presenter of Children's ITV Saturday morning show Scratchy & Co. Ms Collins starred alongside him on BBC children's show See It Saw It.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.