The husband of an award-winning makeup artist who police suspect he murdered has been remanded in custody.

David Chenery-Wickens 51, of Duddleswell, appeared at Hastings magistrates court this morning charged with the murder of his wife Diane Chenery-Wickens, 48.

A heavily decomposed body discovered by a woman while walking her dog off Worth Lane, Little Horsted, near Uckfield, East Sussex on Thursday morning was confirmed as that of Mrs Chenery-Wickens yesterday evening.

A forensic dentologist had to use dental records to confirm the body's identity and officers from Sussex police charged her husband shortly afterwards.

Mr Chenery-Wickens was remanded in custody and will appear at Lewes crown court on August 22nd.

He had been released from bail after initially being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Mrs Chenery-Wickens had worked on a number of BBC shows for over 20 years and was due to be travelling down to London on January 24th when her husband reported her missing.

She won an Emmy award for Arabian Nights in 2000.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Johns said Sussex police wanted to speak to anyone who could help them assist the investigation into the murder.

"I am appealing for witnesses who may have seen any suspicious activity in and around this lane since the beginning of this year," he said.
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