Escape to the Chateau DIY star suddenly passes away as her heartbroken family and Channel 4 fans pay tribute

ESCAPE to the Chateau: DIY star Karen has suddenly died, her family have confirmed. Karen appeared on the hit Channel 4 show with her husband Clive and the couple dreamed of living in France. Château DIY star Karen has died suddenly her family have revealed Credit: Channel 4 Tributes have flooded into Karen Credit: Channel 4 The family appeared on the show in 2018 and were seen renovating their Normandy chateau with their daughter Abbie, who was a university student at the time. After spending many holidays in France when Abbie was younger, Karen and IT consultant Clive decided to make their dream reality. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! They first stayed in Chateau du Doux in 2008 and bought the home a year later when Abbie was just 10 and they didn’t look back. Abbie lives there full-time and helps run the bed and breakfast alongside hosting weddings at the venue. She and dad Clive are devastated by Karen’s death and paid tribute on Instagram. They wrote: “It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beautiful Mum has suddenly passed away. There are simply no words to describe the loss we feel. “Mum wasn’t just part of Château du Doux—she was its heart and soul. She poured so much love into this place, into our family, and into every couple and guest who walked through our doors. “She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, cared for and at home, and her kindness and selfless personality touched so many lives. Most read in TV “Right now, we are just a family grieving the loss of a beautiful woman. We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate the days ahead. There may be delays in replying to messages while we take the time to honour Mum and be together. “To everyone who has loved, supported and shared kind words with us already, thank you. Your compassion is carrying us through the darkest days. “Mum loved Château du Doux, and everything it is today is because of her. We hope to honour her legacy by continuing what she built with the same love, warmth and care she gave so freely.” The tribute added that all upcoming weddings would still take place as planned. They added: “Mum would have wanted Château du Doux to remain full of love and celebration, and together we will ensure every event is as special as she would have wished.” A celebration of Karen’s life took place yesterday at the chateau. The comments were full of tributes from fans of the show and those who had stayed at the chateau. One wrote: “We are so sad and sorry to hear this news Abbie. we remember our first visit to the chateau and sharing a bottle of bubbly with you and your mum on the terrace talking all things weddings she was so warm and welcoming. We are sending hugs to you all.” Another added: “We are so heartbroken and deeply sorry for your loss. We feel incredibly privileged to have known her, even for such a short time. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel special. Her kindness touched us deeply, and her memory will stay with us always.” The show’s official Instagram page has also paid tribute to Karen. It read: “Karen has been part of the Château DIY family since 2018, welcoming us into her home and sharing her life, stories and infectious warmth with us and with viewers around the world. “It was a privilege to know and work with her. Karen brought so much joy to the series and was hugely loved by our viewers. She will be remembered with great affection by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. “Today, our thoughts are with Clive, Abbie, Ross, Alex Chateau du Doux and all of Karen’s family and friends as they come together to celebrate her life. With love from everyone at Château DIY, Spark Media and Channel 4.” Comment now