Tributes are being paid to the Emmerdale and Byker Grove star Dale Meeks, who has died aged 47. His family confirmed the actor's passing on Sunday (April 23) and a cause of death is yet to be announced.
Dale Meeks' acting credits included his role as Simon Meredith on Emmerdale between 2003 and 2006. He first established his career alongside Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin on the teen drama Byker Grove.
His most recent role was in the ITV drama The Hunt For Raoul Moat, which just aired last week. His family's post on Facebook announcing the news read: "So unbelievably sad.
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"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.
"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."
Among those paying tribute to Dale Meeks were his Byker Grove co-stars Ant and Dec, who wrote: "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 arch nemesis of the Byker 'Grovers'! A sad loss at such a young age. RIP Dale. Sleep well bonny lad."
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