Ant and Dec called Dale Meeks 'the loveliest of guys' as they paid tribute to their former Byker Grove co-star, after his death at the age of 47.
It was one of Dale's relatives who broke the news of his death on Sunday afternoon, just a week after the South Shields born star appeared in ITV's new drama The Hunt for Raoul Moat. The Facebook 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."
Dale's family member added: "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."
