Drugs tests on CBBC TV star's 'cocaine death' fiancee prove 'inconclusive'

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Speight's career is in tatters with little chance of him returning to the BBC, insiders said yesterday.

Even if the CBBC star is cleared of any wrongdoing over the death from an apparent cocaine overdose of his girlfriend Natasha Collins, he is unlikely to work as a presenter again.

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Finished: BBC insiders believe Mark Speight will not be able to work on children's TV again

Actress and model Miss Collins, 31, died on Thursday after a cocaine binge with Speight, who found her slumped in the bath at the flat they shared in St John's Wood, North-West London.

Speight was arrested on suspicion of murder and supplying Class A drugs but was released on bail. Police earlier described the death as 'unexplained'.

According to police sources, Speight, 42, has admitted the pair took cocaine together.

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Mystery: Natasha Collins was found dead in the bath at the London penthouse flat she shared with Mark Speight

Asked about Speight's future, a BBC spokesman refused to comment. But an industry insider said: "It's inconceivable he could carry on in children's TV."

Mr Speight visited his fiancee's parents yesterday.

The actor, known to millions of children for presenting CBBC art programme SMart, stayed with Miss Collins's mother, Carmen, and her 20-year-old sister, Kirsty, in Palmers Green, North London, while relatives and friends visited them throughout the day.

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Natasha: Another theory behind her death is that she suffered an adverse reaction after taking prescription tablets

Speight's mother, Jacqueline, 68, an art teacher from Wolverhampton, said she hoped that her son's presence would help Natasha's family as they struggled to cope with the tragedy.

She said: "Mark is with Natasha's mother, which I hope is a comfort to her. He will be feeling dreadful – absolutely awful. It has been a hell of a shock. It is terrible. He will miss Natasha dreadfully."

Mrs Speight added that her son is determined to continue with his television career.

Speight's agent, Lisa Ratcliff, added: "He is trying to keep strong for Natasha's family. It's a very difficult time."

She said: "Mark will be back on air. He is devastated by what has happened and he wants to sort himself out but he will not disappoint the children who watch his programme."

The BBC cancelled yesterday's scheduled episode of SMart.