Dale Winton's tragic life from cause of death to five-year TV break

Dale Winton, the beloved host of Supermarket Sweep, had a tough time before he passed away on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the age of 62. Despite being known for his cheerful and positive persona on screen, Dale was dealing with heartbreak, financial troubles, and depression off-screen.

When he died, there were rumours that he had taken his own life. However, a coroner confirmed that Dale died from natural causes.

He was found in his bed by his assistant at his rented house in Whetstone, North London. He had mentioned feeling unwell shortly before his death.

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His close friend Gloria Hunniford shared that Dale was having a cup of tea just moments before he passed away, reports the Mirror. Confirming the news of his death, Dale’s long-time agent Jan Kennedy said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm the passing of Dale Winton who died at home earlier today.

"While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time of grief."

Loose Women star Gloria also reflected on Dale's life, saying: "He had quite a sad life when you look back. His father died when he was 15 and his mother committed suicide when he was 21." Gloria also hit out at claims he had committed suicide, saying: "I just think it's so sad when people say he took his own life. So many people have said, 'It's such a shame he committed suicide'. But he didn’t. He did not commit suicide and I'm keen to set the record straight."

The Supermarket Sweep star was laid to rest with a Humanist Service in London on what would have been his birthday. Dale, who also hosted BBC shows Pets Win Prizes and Hole in the Wall, was believed to be struggling financially. He sold his £2.6m townhouse in central London just three weeks before his death and moved into a suburban home costing £3,000 a month.

His long-time friend, radio host Steve Allen, confirmed that Dale was not in a "good place". Steve said: "He used to say to me: 'I've had enough'," He added: "I feel happy for him that he's in a place now where he's probably going to be eternally young. He won't age any more."

Dale, who was friends with famous people like David Walliams and Cilla Black, had been sad before because of a tough break up. His neighbour in Florida, Mark Collins, shared that Dale had fallen for a younger man who left him after meeting Elton John.

"The guy said that he wanted to meet Elton John, so Dale arranged a meeting," Mark Collins explained. "He flew the guy to London and they had lunch with Elton. When they came back he kind of dumped him. He just said: 'goodbye Dale'. Dale went into a tailspin on that one."

Dale told everyone he was gay in 2002 but wished he had told his mum Sheree before she died. He never talked about his partners but did say on Loose Women that he had a really hard time.

"I had a very bad year," Dale mentioned in 2016. "I should have taken myself off the TV but I didn't. I did not want to put one foot in front of the other outside the house. I would not leave the house. Five years I went through it. I wanted to withdraw... If you've never had it, you'll never understand it."