It is with regret that I have to inform you that Dean Brown from Rotherham, who appeared on DOND a few years ago and won £17,500, died of swine flu on Wednesday. News of his death is on the front page of this week's Rotherham Advertiser. This is shocking news, rest in peace Dean.

http://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/ne ... lives.aspx

Oh no, that's terrible news!! I couldn't remember which Dean it was at first, but I recognised him from his photo and I think he appeared on it as "Deano" in the summer of 2008. He was a great contestant from what I remember.

He was actually part of the DoND advent calendar on here in 2008 - dressed up as Father Christmas!!

I couldn't believe it when I saw the headline and his picture on the front of the paper. He used his winnings from DOND to fund a trip to search for his father. He was about to apply to appear on The Million Pound Drop Live.

Just saw this on the ITV news now. Shocking news.

RIP Deano.

I'm sorry to hear that. It's always devastating to lose someone at any time of the year, but to lose someone so close after Christmas and the new year must be horrible.

That's really sad - I thought Deano was a great contestant and his game was really entertaining.

My heart goes out to all his family and friends x

I can only agree with the above posters.
I hope his family and friends can take some comfort when they remember his smile. xx

Hmm, Noel has a thing about being hugged and molested by some of the bigger chaps who have played. I recall a special show (last summer?) with a very loud contestant who insisted on kissing noel and bear-hugging him. At the end Noel had to dodge run away from him to avoid being cuddled and I thought that was hilarious.

Sad to hear of the passing of one of DOND's most likeable contestants.

His game was fantastic, and more than likely he would have been great on Million Pound Drop too.

And if I'm right in thinking, he was the first person to refer to 22 as the Death Box.

Rest in peace, Deano.

Deano was definately one of the more memorable contestants to have appeared on the show, such a great charecter. Very sad news.

Couldn't believe it when i saw it, he was a great contestant H i still remember him from the end of season 3, probably my favourite bunch of contestants around that time as well. Gutted, R.I.P thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Wait... you mean THIS guy is DEAD?! (the one next to Noel):

I don't believe it...

R.I.P. Deano

such sad news.god bless Deano,he was a great contestant.garry aka 'hevelius'.DON'T STOP BELIEVING-HOLD ONTO THAT FEELING.