Michael Mosley missing: Major update as police confirm identity of body

The police confirmed the death of Michael Mosley after he went missing on Wednesday evening.

A body was found on Sunday morning and on Sunday afternoon Petros Vassilakis, a senior police official, confirmed the body was Dr Mosley, while sources told the Mail that he was identified by his personal items and clothes.

Deputy Mayor Ilias Haskas has said: "During our research, and as we were approaching a cave next to the Agia Marina beach, we were shooting along the coastline with cameras.

"We saw an object next to a fence on the beach and when we zoomed in we realised that it was Michael Mosley's body. He had probably fallen from a short cliff of about 10 metres."

No formal identification has been shared.

A body has now been found during the search for Dr Michael Mosley after he went missing in Symi.

It has been reported that the unidentified body was found with an umbrella close to the caves known to locals as The Abyss.

The discovery followed an extensive search across the area which has been taking place since Thursday morning.

Search efforts for missing TV doctor Michael Mosley have finished for another day on the Greek Island of Symi as his wife vows to "not lose hope".

Volunteers and emergency workers continued to search a treacherous mountainous part of the island on Saturday after the 67-year-old TV personality disappeared during a walk on Wednesday.

So far, there has been no signs of the missing doctor, but rescue teams are now focusing its search close to the "bottomless" network of tunnels near Agia Marina. It comes as authorities fear that the father of four could have made a "wrong turn".

Locals warned that the area, known as 'The Abyss', is not safe and stressed anyone can drown in the tunnels.

Police and firefighters have entered “The Abyss” in a desperate search for the TV doctor Michael Mosley.

Rescue teams have ramped up their hunt to locate the missing medic and have entered a complex series of underground tunnels.

An emergency helicopter arrived at Symi as the search has continued.

At around 3.20pm local time onlookers saw it flying over Pedi bay towards the mountains where the hunt is being carried out.

Dr Michael Mosley's wife Clare has vowed "we will not lose hope" as she said the past few days have been "unbearable".

She added how grateful she is to the residents of Symi, the Greek authorities and the British Consulate for how hard they've worked to find her husband.

Firefighters have pulled in the help of a drone as they continue looking through the mountains to find Dr Michael Mosley.

They suspect he has walked between Pedi bay and Agia Marina, but fears over the lack of shade have been made apparent.

Firefighter Stergos Giakoumakis said from near one of the peaks: “Because it’s not so easy to bring here 100 people, especially this period, because it’s the most dangerous period.

“Everything is dry and it is too dangerous for firemen to search.”

Michael Mosley's four children have arrived on Symi to help with the search for the TV doctor.

It was confirmed they would be joining the search to support the efforts taking place.

Mosley's wife, Dr Claire Bailey, has also been searching the island.

The mayor has explained the search had extended to the sea with police now asking taxi boats to flag if they see something strange.

Symi's mayor has said there is "no chance" the search for Michael Mosley will be called off until he is found.

Eleftherios Papakaloudoukas questioned how anyone could survive in the heat which came in at 40C the day the TV doctor had disappeared.

The area Dr Mosley is believed to have travelled through is "difficult to pass" and is "only rocks", with "loads" of snakes.

He added how he hopes Dr Mosley is found "safe and alive".

Former Scotland Yard Detective Peter Bleksley has said there are an "awful lot of unanswered questions" in the disappearance of Dr Michael Mosley while slamming armchair detectives for their investigations.

Speaking on GB News he praised the Greek authorities and acknowledged they have "applied a lot of resources" to the search. "There is a sense of duty and humanity and a desire to find Dr Mosley. But there is, of course, a financial consideration here. The island will not want to attract too much negative publicity, because, of course, many people understandably rely on tourism for a living.

"So whatever their motives may be, I think it's excellent that so many resources and members of the public are coming together to try and find him."

However, he criticised the efforts of the British public to solve the case on social media and slammed them for attempting to "conduct their own investigations".

"It has already begun on social media, but I think it's not at the level of the furore that surrounded the disappearance of Nicola Bulley, because Doctor Mosley is some many miles away from the UK.

"It's going to be a very challenging search because of the environment. There's high temperature warnings, it's going to soar well into the 40s today, so unbearably hot, which may have an effect on machinery that's being used in the search."

It has been confirmed Greek police on the island of Symi have called off their water search for Dr Michael Mosley and will now focus on the terrain between two key towns.

Speaking to The Mirror the island's mayor Papakalodoukas Lefterios said search and rescue teams were now focusing on a two-kilometre stretch of land between Pedi and Gialos and confirmed water searches had been halted.

The UK charity Missing People have released a statement about the disappearance of Dr Michael Mosley. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, they wrote: " Like everyone, the charity is thinking of Dr Michael Mosley and everyone who knows him."

They then linked back to their official statement on their website. They used the post to highlight the work that they do.

"The impact of a disappearance is vast and can affect so many people. 170,000 people are reported missing each year in the UK. Every disappearance is a crisis and can be a matter of life or death," they penned.

"Due to awareness of Michael’s disappearance, the cause will be at the front of many people’s minds right now. That includes other people with their own experience of being missing, or of missing someone. For all of them, this is an important reminder that support exists.

"The charity has advice and support available online, and a Helpline (116 000) for anyone affected by a disappearance. Here in confidence for missing people and those that miss them. An amazing team providing specialist, non-judgemental support, every day."

Greek police opened up to news website ekathimerini.com about what may have happened to Dr Mosley. Speculation includes; he had an accident, or a fall, or suffered a snake bite.

Symi mayor Lefteris Papakalodoukas told the website the area where the presenter went missing is considered "difficult, as it is quite rocky".

Describing the heat on the island on Wednesday when he went missing as "unbearable" he said "one could easily faint in such conditions".

He added that while Mosley "wanted to walk back from the beach, it's a distance of about an hour-and-a-half", pointing out "there are shortcuts he may have taken."

Chilling CCTV footage has been released showing Dr Michael Mosley's last movements before he went missing. It has been confirmed by Greek police that the images are indeed him.

Michael Mosley’s four children have flown to the remote Greek islands to join the search as there is still "no trace" of the star.

His kids Alexander, Jack, Daniel and Katherine are planning to retrace his last known steps. Speaking to the Telegraph, his brother Arthur said: “We are very shocked and perplexed by what has happened to him. His children have now all gone to Greece and are walking the path trying to find him.

“We know as much as what the police and the media has reported, but we are closely following the situation, and hope that there’s a good outcome. Unfortunately, when you get to my age or his (Michael) age, accidents like this can happen."

Mosley's co-author Roy Taylor, who penned The 8-Week Blood Sugar Diet with the TV star, told PA: “This shocking news focuses our minds on Michael’s wife Clare and their sons.

“Our thoughts are with them in this terrible time of uncertainty, hoping that he will be found safely. All speed and success to those searching for this dear man.”

A Symi local has claimed they saw the Mosley waiting at a bus stop in Pedi at 2pm on Wednesday, thirty minutes after he was seen on the beach.

Greek paper Photo Thema reports Dr Mosley would have had to walk 1km and then take a bus to get to the house where he was staying.

Michael Mosley "was not feeling well" before leaving his friends at the beach for a walk in "extreme heat".

He was later seen at a bus stop, according to witnesses. Greek journalist Ionna Niaoti told Talk TV: "It is understood that about 1.30pm local time, he said he was not feeling very well and he wanted to return home.

"So he went to a coastal path reaching the closest the village of Pedi, and this was the last time somebody saw him in Pedi."

Local expert George Evgenidis has shared his thoughts on a new theory on why Mosley is yet to be found, as he exclusively told Express.co.uk: “There is no official information or update on the course of the search.

“However, according to information a scenario that is being examined is that he fell off a rock and then into the sea.

“This means that the search and rescue operations will be more complex than if he had an accident on the ground.”

Symi deputy mayor, Ilias Chaskas has confirmed to the PA news agency that “divers are looking in the water” for Mosley.

The local coast guard have also joined the rescue efforts as the star remains missing for over 48 hours.

A new witness has come forward to share Michael Mosley's movements after seeing him and his wife around 1.30pm in Symi.

Chrisa Zauroudi, who works at the St Nikolas beach bar, said: "I saw him walk across the beach and then he went to the steps [to the path]. He walked about half way up and then he looked and walked back down and he returned to his wife.

“A little while later I saw him leave. He stopped to look at the drinks on the bar and then he went back to the steps. It was about 1.30pm He was carrying a purple umbrella. I didn’t see him again. It was very hot, too hot, like today. I thought it was strange to walk when it was so hot.”

This Morning stars have shared their concern for Dr Michael Mosley as the search for the TV doctor continues after he went missing on the Greek island of Symi.

Alison Hammond expressed her distress over the situation, describing it as "so upsetting". Vanessa Feltz echoed these sentiments, saying: "It is so upsetting, I mean we've all interviewed him so many times, met him so many times, I would say he is the embodiment of vitality.

"He is an irrepressible energy and enthusiasm [...] He's the most wonderful, wonderful person, he walks into the studio and the whole place lit up every single time. I couldn't love the guy more, or admire him. Tremendous, tremendous energy. I'm just praying that somehow they find him and somehow he's okay."

A sniffer dog that can find people "dead or alive" has been deployed to try and track down Mosley.

Lieutenant Vaggelis and six-year-old Alsatian Scar, who is specially trained to locate humans in remote areas, are desperately trying to find the BBC health star.

Good Morning Britain's Martin Lewis has shared a message of support following the news that Dr Michael Mosley has gone missing during a trip to Greece.

He penned on social media: "Feeling disturbed about the news about Dr Michael Mosley. I hope he's ok."

The mayor claimed some witnesses said they saw him talking to a woman after leaving the beach, but others say they saw him talking to a man in Pedi.

The mayor of Symi, Eleftherios Papakalodoukas, where the This Morning health expert went missing, suggested that Dr. Mosley might have fainted from dehydration as temperatures soared to 35C.

Mayor Papakalodoukas highlighted the treacherous nature of Dr. Mosley's hiking path, marked by "very high cliffs" and rugged terrain, which could have posed significant risks, especially without water. With the search entering a critical phase, authorities have committed to another five days of intensive efforts, after which they may need to reassess, pending further support from Greek or UK entities, as he disclosed to LBC.

Mosley has now been missing for 48 hours and there are growing concerns about how he has vanished from a seemingly "clear" path during a 20 minute journey.

Here are all of the theories so far.

Greek police are said to be ramping up the search for Michael Mosley after finding "no trace" of the TV star. Searches had been called off overnight but authorities are said to have now sent helicopter, drones and a specialist dog unit to find him.

Michael was last seen at Saint Nicholas beach in Symi with another couple before deciding to leave at around 1:30pm on Wednesday afternoon.

He decided to head back to his home in the area of Pedi wearing a pair of shorts, a blue polo shirt, a blue baseball cap and sunglasses.

However, when he didn’t return after six hours his wife Clare Bailey raised concerns.

By Thursday, Greek authorities had called in reinforcements from Athens.

Currently, drones, dogs, helicopters and emergency responders are searching the area where he was last seen.

Constantina Dimoglidou, senior spokesperson for the Greek police has said: “There is just no trace of him.

“None whatsoever and that means that for us at least, every potential scenario is open and being investigated."

Michael's former co-star on the BBC show Trust Me, I'm A Doctor has aired her concern for him on Twitter,

Trust Me I'm A Doctor star Saleyha Ahsan said: "Shocking news to see - Michael Mosley missing on a Greek Island. Praying he is found safe - I literally feel sick with worry. Don’t even know what to say."

As the search for Michael Mosley continues, The Foreign Office has aired their support for his family, as reported by The Mirror.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who is missing in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities."

On May 26, Clare shared a video with Michael on her Instagram.

The duo both wore red as they attended the Hay Festival, which happens between May 23 and June 2.

As Michael filmed it in the green room, he told her followers he’d just given a talk on how to live a good life.

He said: “I have to say it has been enormous fun.”

She captioned the short clip: “ Such a brilliant festival. Our second year and hope to make it a regular! So many fascinating talks."

Presenter Jeremy Vine has tweeted his support as the search for Michael Mosley continues.

He wrote: "I'm praying this lovely man is found and thinking of Claire and the whole Mosley family."

Speaking about his disappearance on her show, Julia Hartley-Brewer said: "Michael Mosley [...] he has gone missing on a Greek island. Lovely, lovely, lovely man. [It’s] very, very worrying.”

Symi mayor Lefteris Papakalodoukas spoke to a Greek daily newspaper about Michael's disappearance.

Explaining that where he went missing is considered to be difficult, due to its rocky terrain, the mayor touched on the drastic heat at the moment.

Describing it as "unbearable", The Telegraph reports that Mr Papakalodoukas said: "One could easily faint in such conditions”.

He added that Michael "Wanted to walk back from the beach, but that’s a distance of about an hour and a half and there are shortcuts he may have taken”.

On the day Michael went missing, there was an excessive heat warning, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius.

The 67-year-old was last seen on screens on April 29 this year.

He appeared on BBC’s Morning Live to speak about the benefits of intermittent fasting.

Michael also touched on his 5:2 diet method along with his new book.

BBC viewers saw him speak candidly about changing his life over a decade ago when he first started fasting for two days a week.

Shedding light on which path Dr Mosley may have taken when he set off for his walk, a police source reportedly with intimate knowledge of the search and rescue operation told the Daily Mail: "We have also applied to the civil protection ministry in Athens for a helicopter and special dogs to be brought in.

"We are focusing on the area of the path we believe Michael would have taken from the beach in Ayios Nikolaos [St Nicholas] to Pedi but as so much time has elapsed since he went missing we have also expanded our search to other parts of the island."

This leads to believe Dr Mosley may have undertaken the hiking trail linking the port of Symi and St Nicholas Beach.

Departing from the port, the route crosses Chora and ascends to the Chorio district, before turning eastwards towards the small village of Pedi, according to Alltrails.com.

Senior Police Spokesman Constantina Dimoglidou said: "We have now asked the fire brigade to assist in the operation in the case that he may have slipped, tripped, fallen, even bitten by a snake, remaining injured somewhere."

TV star Dr Mosley once revealed that he beat type 2 diabetes. He told the Mirror how he was overweight and had early signs of fatty liver disease.

However, he managed to reverse the effects of both health conditions through changing his diet.

"Eleven years ago, when I discovered that I had type 2 diabetes, I also had a scan that revealed I had early signs of fatty liver disease," he said. "Both the diabetes and the fatty liver went away once I went on the 5:2 diet and lost 9kg."

Dr Mosley's last tweet from two weeks prior saw him humorously engaging with fans about his impersonation on television, remarking: "I have.. I'm not convinced I really sound like that but my wife Clare says it is spot on."

He also interacted with a follower who had shared their positive experience with cold showers after listening to one of his episodes, to which Dr Mosley replied: "Delighted to hear it.. while reading your tweet (or is it your X) I had a bad moment when I thought you were going to say you got a rotator cuff injury after falling in the shower.."

Fans have taken to X to express their concern and send their hopes for Dr Mosley's safe return.

"This news about Dr Michael Mosley is getting increasingly concerning," one said. "I hope he's ok."

Another said: "I hope Michael Mosley turns up ok."

Emily Williams added: "Really upset about Michael Mosley and hoping he is found safe and well. He’s been a huge force for good and an inspiration for my own fitness journey in recent years. I desperately hope he’s ok."

Meanwhile, Alex Dowling said: "Praying for Dr Michael Mosley hope he’s ok."

The MoneySavingExpert posted to X this afternoon following news of Dr Mosley's disappearance: "Feeling disturbed about the news about Dr Michael Mosley. I hope he's ok."

Dr. Mosley's representatives have expressed their concern, stating to the Mirror: "We are very worried about him."

The beloved health guru took to social media to discuss his Radio 4 programme Just One Thing, which delves into simple yet scientifically backed health tips.

His post read: "If time is tight, what's the one thing that you should be doing to improve your health and wellbeing? In my Just One Thing series with @bbcradio4 I explore the surprisingly simple top tips that are scientifically proven to change your life. Listen to the latest episodes on BBC iPlayer."

Dr Mosley is married to Dr Clare Bailey Mosley.

The couple first crossed paths while studying at medical school.

Clare, a practising GP, has also co-authored the best-selling eating plan, Clever Guts, with her husband.

Police say the doctor left his phone on the beach with another couple to return back to his home in the Pedi area.

Locals have said it is "pretty difficult" to get lost on the island "even in the most remote areas".

Michael Mosley is known for his appearances on The One Show and This Morning, along with fronting documentaries.

He is also a columnist for the Daily Mail, and has made a number of films about diet and exercise among his documentaries.

The 67-year-old broadcaster did the Channel 4 show Michael Mosley: Who Made Britain Fat? and was part of the BBC series Trust Me, I’m A Doctor.

He also lived with tapeworms in his guts for six weeks for the documentary Infested! Living With Parasites on BBC Four.

Mosley has been given an Emmy nod for BBC science documentary The Human Face, presented by John Cleese and featuring a raft of human faces including Elizabeth Hurley, Pierce Brosnan and David Attenborough.

He also advocated for intermittent fasting through the 5:2 diet and The Fast 800 diet.

Mosley has four children with his wife Clare Bailey Mosley, also a doctor, author and health columnist, who wrote the recipe book Fast 800 Easy.

The 67-year-old was with wife Clare on the island.

They were wrapping up their joint tour, which also spanned across the UK, had the couple "reveal how simple changes can transform your life, so we can all Eat well, Sleep better, and Live longer".

Mr Mosley was last seen on St Nicholas Beach, Symi, with another couple when he decided to leave at around 1.30pm on Wednesday.

The map below shows the location of the last sighting.

Constantina Dimoglidou, senior spokesperson for the Greek police, said:

"He was at the beach of Ag. Nikolas with another couple when he decided to go back to his home in the area of Pedi of Symi/

"It was around 1.30pm and he forgot his phone at the beach. Any and every attempt to track him down has not produced any result. We have now asked the fire brigade to assist in the operation in the case that he may have slipped, tripped, fallen, even bitten by a snake, remaining injured somewhere.

"There is just no trace of him. None whatsoever and that means that for us at least, every potential scenario is open and being investigated."

TV doctor Michael Mosley has gone missing while on holiday on the Greek island of Symi.

Known for his work on BBC Radio 4's Just One Thing and This Morning, Mr Mosley was on a publicity tour with his wife Dr Clare Mosley when he was last seen on Wednesday.

Police have confirmed the last sighting was at 1.30pm yesterday, when he set off on a hike along St Nicholas Beach. His wife raised concerns when the 67-year-old had not returned after six hours.

There are reports he had not taken his phone with him, with police fearing he may have 'fallen from a height'.

Welcome to our live blog as Dr Michael Mosley has gone missing on the Greek Island of Symi. We will be bringing you all the latest updates as they arrive.