Lee Whitlock has died aged 54, it has been confirmed by his former agent.
It's believed that Lee, who was born in Hammersmith, West London, died on February 17 – several days before his death was announced.
The actor who launched his career as a child first appeared in the TV show, Shine On Harvey Moon as Stanley Moon before going on to appear in The Merry Wives of Windsor.
However, he was best known for his roles in Grange Hill, A Touch of Frost, Casualty, and The Bill and for appearing alongside Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in the 2007 film Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
in Grange Hill, Lee took on the role of Bevis Loveday in series 16 of the classic show.
Taking to Twitter, his former talent agency Urban Collective penned: "Saddened by the death of our client Lee Whitlock.
"Lee was a great character & a great actor who has left a legacy of brave & groundbreaking work achieved at a particularly young age. Lee was hugely entertaining, funny & positive to work with, condolences to family & friends. RIP."
Fans have also flocked to the micro-blogging site to share tributes, with one penning: "Very sad news indeed. He certainly made an impression on me and his work on The Two Of Us was groundbreaking and hugely important to the LGBTQ+ community. A legacy to be proud of. Condolences to his family and sending love to all."
"Sad news that Lee Whitlock has passed away Oliver at just 54. He had a few guest parts in the Bill over the years," wrote a second.
Before a third added: "Just wanted to say how gutted I was to hear that the brilliant actor Lee Whitlock died yesterday. He was a lovely person, modest, funny, and kind, wonderfully cheeky, forever boyish, and will be sorely missed by all that knew him."
"Sad to hear about the death of Lee Whitlock. He was a good guy and will be missed. We had a lot of mutual friends so over the years we would hang out and watch Arsenal games together. I also worked with him on the Dexter Fletcher film Wild Bill."
