Emmerdale actor Dale Meeks has died aged 47.
The actor, 47, was best known for his role as Simon Meredith which he played from 2003-2006 on the ITV soap. Meeks also starred in Byker Grove and most recently had a role in the ITV true crime drama The Hunt for Raoul Moat.
The news of the actor's tragic passing was announced by a family member on Facebook as tributes flooded in for the beloved soap star.
The post 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.
Fellow South Tyneside performer Stephen Sullivan was left heartbroken by his passing and shared a tribute: "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!"
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