FRIENDS and family are praying for the recovery of a former television presenter and reality star after he was involved in a collision with a lorry.

Christian Capes, 34, was seriously injured on the Colchester-bound carriage of the A133 at Weeley at 3.40am last Thursday.

He suffered a serious head injury during the incident and was taken to Colchester General Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

The Clacton man was later transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

Posting a message on social media for Christian’s friends, his uncle Peter said: “He is presently in a serious condition in hospital. Close family are at his bedside.

“This is all I can say for now at this difficult time for the family.”

Christian, who went to Coppins Green Primary School and Clacton County High School, shot to fame in Malaysia after starring in the hit reality show What Women Want.

Mr Capes originally went to the south-east Asian country as part of a teaching placement for his university course before getting involved in the show in 2006.

He was voted as Malaysia Cleo magazine’s most eligible bachelor of the year and has appeared in television advertisements for Brylcream, Head and Shoulders and Yahoo.

He went on to become a presenter for Unseen TV and interviewed bands such as Basement Jaxx and the Stone Roses before returning to the UK.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “The man remains in a life-threatening condition.”

A 57-year-old man from Clacton was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been released under investigation.

Friend Martin Leatherdale said: “Christian is a wonderful, bright and intelligent guy.

“He is always a pleasure to be around and has all the time in the world for you.

“I have spoken to his aunt and she told me he is in an induced coma after suffering multiple injuries.

“His family are at his bedside.

“My thought and prayers are with him.”

Witnesses to the collision or anyone with information are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.