Presenter's mum tells of son's despair

Grief-sticken Wolverhampton children's TV presenter Mark Speight has been plunged into a "black hole" of despair by the death of fiancee Natasha Collins, his mother revealed today.

Jackie Speight, an aromatherapist and former art teacher, said the 42-year-old was suffering so much he could hardly function properly.

Speight, who presents BBC show SMart, was originally arrested on suspicion of murdering 31-year-old Miss Collins, whose body was found in the bath at the couple's penthouse home in London on January 3.

Detectives said last week he is no longer suspected of murder but remains on police bail until next month on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs.

Speaking from her Tettenhall Wood home, his mother Jackie told the Express & Star today the tragedy had had a devastating effect on her son and the entire family. But she insisted he would bounce back and resume his career "when the time is right".

"Mark is a strong man but he is also extremely sensitive," she said."He comes across as very jokey and funny but there is another side to him.

"He is a most generous fellow who would do anything for anybody.

"It is bad enough losing a loved one in such awful circumstances without having people suggesting you are suspected of murder.

"That, on top of the grief, came as a double blow for poor Mark.

"The worst thing is not knowing and the waiting is terrible."

The mother-of-three told how relatives were trying to keep his spirits up during the nerve-wracking wait to discover if he is to be cleared of any involvement in Miss Collins' death.

"Like me, he has a lot of faith and that is keeping him going," she continued. "I have not seen him since Natasha's death but we have talked regularly.

"My heart goes out to him at this very sad time. It is particularly difficult because we all had such a lovely Christmas.

"He has got to get over his grief before he can focus on anything else. It is very difficult to think rationally when you are grieving.

"He is in a dark hole at the moment and is suffering so much grief that he is not able to function properly. Everything will fall into place and he will resume his career when the time is right, but it is still early days.

"He has the support of his family and we have worked out a rota to keep in touch with him and one of us tries to speak with him every day. At least then we know that he is OK."

Mrs Speight, who has been ill since her son's arrest, said her faith had helped her though this difficult time.

"I have not been well enough to go to church but friends have been ringing," she said. "I have passed news of their support on to Mark who is very grateful.

"We all really do appreciate the nice thoughts. It has been a tricky and sad time for the family and the support has been much appreciated.

"I was suffering from a virus anyway but the shock of all this accelerated the condition into something more serious. I am still not well enough to go out for long periods of time. People in Wolverhampton who know him well reacted with total disbelief at the first reports surrounding Natasha's death.

"Those reports were so unfair and damaging to his reputation.

"I trust that this can be cleared up as soon as possible.

"We just have to hope for the best, keep our faith and think positive."

A post-mortem examination failed to establish the exact cause of the death of Miss Collins and inquiries are continuing.

Speight, a former Regis School Tettenhall College pupil, is on bail until next month.

By John Scott