A MAN from Silver End, who was one of the first reality TV stars, has died.

Colin Corrigan, 70, died after reportedly suffering a stroke which led to his death three weeks later on March 24.

Widow Julia Corrigan confirmed the news in an interview with the Sun newspaper.

Colin, alongside his wife and daughter Natasha, appeared in the forward-thinking reality television programme Castaway 2000 on BBC One which aired at the turn of the millennium.

The programme followed a group of 36 men, women and children who upped sticks to Scotland and had to build a community on the remote island of Taransay over the course of a year.

Colin, who also has a son called Douglas from a previous marriage, was a popular character on the show, according to co-star Ron Copsey.

Ron said: "Details of Colin’s funeral are not yet available.

“Many of the cast of Castaway are expected to attend as he was a hugely popular figure.

“Following the funeral, sometime after Easter, Colin's ashes will be taken to Taransay by his family and Castaway friends for a private service and party to celebrate his life and contribution to Castaway 2000."