TV presenter may have died when solo sex game went wrong

RELATIVES of a BBC television presenter have revealed their shock over revelations that police investigated whether Kristian Digby died when a solo sex game went tragically wrong.

A post-mortem examination is expected to find the BBC daytime host suffocated while deliberately starving himself of oxygen to heighten sexual arousal.

The extremely dangerous practice of auto-erotic asphyxiation is said to increase sexual pleasure and participants employ masks, ligatures or even plastic bags to achieve the desired effect.

Officers said they were officially treating the circumstances of his death as "unexplained".

In a statement his relatives said: "The family are saddened and in a state of shock at the loss of Kristian who they loved very much."

Digby was pronounced dead at his home in Richford Road, Newham, east London, after an ambulance crew was called shortly before 8am yesterday.

Colleagues and friends have reacted with shock, describing the To Buy Or Not To Buy host as a "lovely guy" who brought a "real sense of energy and warmth to all the shows he presented".

Liam Keelan, controller of BBC Daytime, said the 32-year-old would be "very much missed".

"Kristian was without doubt one of the most popular and talented presenters on BBC Daytime," he said.

"He cared passionately about the programmes he presented and viewers loved the charm and warmth he brought to every one of his shows."

The property expert worked on a string of shows including Double Agents, Living In The Sun, House Swap and Buy It, Sell It, Bank It.

Digby's agent and friend Jo Wander said: "I am devastated by the loss. He was a lovely guy and a talented presenter and director.

"I will miss him hugely and my thoughts at this time are with his family and his many friends. He will be sorely missed."

Despite being condemned by police and medical experts, auto-erotic asphyxiation continues to claim lives.

Kill Bill film star David Carradine and INXS singer Michael Hutchence died in similar circumstances, although questions remain over their final moments.