The Air India flight 171 was bound for Gatwick Airport when it crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday, with a DanceX star feared to be among the fatalities
A British dancer and yoga teacher who took part in a BBC One competition is among the feared casualties of the fatal Air India crash today. The India flight 171 was en route to Gatwick Airport when it tragically plummeted shortly after departure from Ahmedabad.
Jamie Greenlaw-Meek – who appeared on BBC One reality contest Dance X – and his partner are feared to have been on board the flight. Hosted by Ben Shephard, the series saw two teams of male and female dancers compete to form a new dance group under the guidance of Arlene Phillips and Bruno Tonioli.
Jamie made it as a finalist on the show, but was eliminated in the second episode by Arlene and Bruno. Following his time on the series, Jamie became a seasoned dance and yoga mentor.
After the show, Jamie went onto found The Wellness Foundry located in the capital alongside his spouse Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, who is also believed to have been aboard the plane.
The couple posted an Instagram video via The Wellness Foundry account just as they were about to set foot on their Air India journey.
In the clip, Fiongal can be heard stating, “We are in the airport, just boarding. Goodbye India.” Adding to the farewell, Jamie proclaimed, “Goodbye India, ten-hour flight back to England.”
Fiongal also quipped lightheartedly later in the footage, saying, “We’re going back happily, happily, happily calm.”
Not long after take-off, the Boeing 787, carrying over 240 passengers, crashed, as confirmed by authorities. The AAIB has announced the dispatch of UK experts to India to assist with the ensuing investigation.
Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell paid tribute to the former guest who is thought to have died in the Air India crash.
Martin, who had been the editor of the ITV show until he stepped down earlier this year, paid tribute in a post on Instagram this afternoon.
He included a photo of Fiongal alongside hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley in the studio. Martin wrote in the caption that he had a “vibrancy” and “sheer enthusiasm” when he had featured as a guest on the show back in January.
Martin wrote: “So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick. I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I’m a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.”
He continued: “And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.”
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