Darren Day still remembers 'troubled' superfan Charlene Downes 20 years after meeting her

54-year-old Darren had been performing at the Opera House, from 8 – 27 Sep 03, when he got to know the young super-fan – who went missing just over a month later.

He was starring as Don in Summer Holiday, and Charlene regularly met him after shows, at the stage door.

Darren told Blackpool Gazette: “The stage door was busy in those days but i used to come out there and we’d always have a little chat. She was always lovely and very chatty but

I always got the impression she was troubled, which may be why i gave her more time.”

‘To think that I may have brought just a little bit of happiness to her life is incredibly humbling’

Darren was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020 - after decades of battling with his mental health.

He describes himself as a ‘troubled soul’ and says he feels ‘empathy’ for others who appear to be going through a hard time.

“She always seemed to be alone and i don’t know why, but even 20 years on I remember she just seemed troubled.

She seemed to love coming to the theatre. To think that I may have brought just a little bit of happiness to her life is incredibly humbling.”

Photo with idol Darren Day was ‘loved and treasured’ by Charlene

Parents’, Karen and Bob Downes, have kept a framed photograph of Charlene with her idol.

It was taken at the Winter Gardens, the summer before she vanished on November 1 2003.

The body of Charlene has never been found and no one has been convicted of her murder.

Karen says that her daughter ‘adored’ the celebrity, and recalls how she ‘loved and treasured’ the picture.

Darren said that it’s ‘lovely but heartbreaking and completely shattering’ to hear.

A father’s worst nightmare

The father-of-three added: “I can’t imagine what it must be like. Just the thought of one of my children going missing and having 20 years with no closure must be an absolute living nightmare.”

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or email [email protected]

Where can I watch the new Charlene Downes documentary?

A brand new and exclusive feature documentary about Charlene Downes, presented by Blackpool Gazette reporter, Lucinda Herbert, which will air on Shots TV (Freeview 276).

The documentary about Charlene Downes will premiere at 8:05pm, on Wednesday Nov 01, 2023 as part of an evening of True Crime on the channel.

It will also be available to watch online at this link.

Blackpool Gazette reporter, Lucinda Herbert attempts to find out what really could have happened to Charlene and why, after two decades, nobody has ever been brought to justice.