Dale Meeks, who had parts in Emmerdale and Byker Grove, has died age 47.
The actor, 47, played Simon Meredith on the popular ITV soap, which he appeared between 2003 and 2006.
Geordie actor Dale has been a recognisable on both the stage and screen for decades, with him appearing in an episode of The Hunt for Raoul Moat in a starring role, which aired just last week.
Dale's death was announced by a family member on Facebook.
The post from the relative read: "So unbelievably sad. Brother in Law, mucca, side kick and just the BEST friend a lad could have wished for. RIP Dale Meeks. So much less to laugh about now you're not there to share it with."
The post continued: "Thanks everyone for all the beautiful messages and memories you have been sharing. The support of Dale's friends has been so incredibly strong over these chaotic, heartbreaking final hours, I can only stand in awe."
Tributes and condolences began pouring in on the comments section.
"Unbelievably sad," one said as another wrote: "So sad a lovely lad and great character," followed by a trio of heart emojis.
And a third added: "Oh no this is very sad x sending much love xxx".
"Oh gosh, I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you all loads of love xxx," a fourth wrote.
Meanwhile, Ant and Dec posted a tribute to their fellow former Byker Grove cast mate as the news broke.
The Geordie duo, who played PJ and Duncan on the programme, tweeted: "We are so incredibly sorry to hear the very sad news of Dale’s passing. He was the loveliest of guys, even though he was a Denton ‘Burner’, the the arch nemesis of the Byker ‘Grovers’! A sad loss at such a young age. RIP Dale. Sleep well bonny lad," followed by a praying hands emoji.
And, Stephen Sullivan shared a touching tribute as he wrote: "Dale Meeks was an inspiration to me, watching the band when I was younger, watching him perform on stage, seeing him on the telly box and working with him. He was such a talent. He had so much more to give. He was loved and respected more than he knew. The last time I worked with him was an absolute joy."
Stephen added: "It hasn’t sunk in yet and today has been somewhat of a blur. Dale, you will be dearly missed, you had a heart as big as your talent and a sense of humour and laugh bigger than both!"
Meanwhile, more tributes poured in on Twitter, as one fan wrote: "Sad news. Has just appeared in #TheHuntforRaoulMoat & also a former @Emmerdale actor. RIP #DaleMeeks".
Another posted: "Saddened to hear of the Passing of Dale Meeks the Emmerdale and Byker Grove star sending condolences to his family and friends RIP Dale Meeks #Emmerdale #BykerGrove #DaleMeeks".
"Sad to hear of the passing of @dalemeeks today @emmerdale #actor," another penned.
Dale, who began his acting career appearing in Byker Grove, appeared in three-part series The Hunt for Raoul Moat as Moat's friend Rory Sutcliffe.
Actor Dale even tweeted about his role in the series, which explores the case of Raoul Moat, who went on a two-day shooting spree in Northumbria in 2010, killing his ex's new partner and injuring her and a police officer.
He wrote: "Sadly watching tonight's episode from this equally mysterious and sinister location. It's fantastic to feel the love. Thanks gang. Keep it coming xxx" as he posted a photo of a door but didn't go into further detail about his location.
As well as The Hunt For Raoul Moat and Emmerdale, Dale has also had roles in Byker Grove, where he played the leader of a gang from a rival youth club.
Dale also won a celebrity version of Stars in Their Eyes alongside Mark Charnock as they appeared as the Blues Brothers.
He also appeared in Casualty, drama series Inspector George Gently and even had a role in Tracey Beaker spin-off The Dumping Ground as a custody sergeant.
