TV fitness trainer Angie Dowds feared dead at Beachy Head

TV presenter Davina McCall has led tributes to a television fitness trainer who is feared to have died at Beachy Head.

A body believed to be that of Angie Dowds, 42, was retrieved from the base of the notorious suicide spot on Sunday.

Witnesses reported seeing a woman leap or fall from the top of the chalk cliffs near Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Ms Dowds appeared on the ITV weight-loss challenge show The Biggest Loser since 2005 along with McCall and personal trainer Richard Callender.

A message posted today on McCall's verified Twitter account read: "Rest in peace Angie Dowds angechops. So so sad."

Callender tweeted: "R.I.P Angie (angechops) Dowds. You helped inspire & educate millions with both a growl n a smile. You'll be missed. £inaquietplacenow xx."

Ms Dowds won a Personal Trainer of the Year Great Britain award in 2006 and had reportedly battled drink and drug problems in the past.

Sussex Police confirmed the body of a 42-year-old woman was found by coastguards and that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

A police spokesman said: "Just after 4.30pm on Sunday November 20, members of the public reported that a woman was seen to jump or fall from the top of cliffs at Beachy Head.

"Coastguards found the body of a woman at the foot of the cliffs about an hour later.

"There are no suspicious circumstances and it is believed that the body may be that of a 42-year-old woman from London."

Formal identification is expected to be carried out later today.

PA