Socialholic

This morning, I heard the news that Kristian Digby, TV presenter and director, has died.

You may know Kristian as the presenter of programmes such as To Buy or Not to Buy on BBC One but he was also an accomplished director and was the youngest ever winner of a junior BAFTA in 1997.

I first met Kristian when we were at school together in Paignton. As a child, he was really great fun – bright, sociable and funny. He was always at or near the centre of attention in his year group and, if anything went wrong, he was always there to console and look after whoever needed it.

He also had a propensity to think things through more than the average 10 year old would. I vividly remember looking after his year group once when a teacher was late in. They were all sat in a circle and, lost for ideas, I asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. Kristian’s hand shot up – ‘A bank manager!’. I asked why and, without missing a beat, he said ‘Because they get better deals on their mortgages!’ He obviously had his eye on a house even then.

We lost touch shortly afterwards but I remember when I first saw him on tv and, without checking whether it was ‘that’ Kristian Digby, I knew – the same cheeky smile was still there.

I genuinely can’t quite believe he has gone. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Kind, caring, talented and funny. We need a few more like him. Bye Kristian.