Paul Danan spoke of his "shock and upset" after his pregnant Hollyoaks co-star and friend died in a motorway car crash.
The 44-year-old said he felt "lost" after hearing his "good, good friend" had died while travelling with her two sons and her nephew. Frankie Julia Hough, who played Jess in the soap until 2001, was killed in a horror crash on the M66 last month.
Frankie had been driving southbound on the motorway at around 3.10pm on Saturday, May 13, when she pulled over onto the hard shoulder to take a phone call, and was hit by a "speeding" BMW, an inquest was told.
READ MORE: 'Fly high angel with your angel baby' - tributes to pregnant mum killed in M66 crash
Adil Iqbal, 22, of Hope Street in Accrington, has admitted causing Frankie's death, as well as admitting causing serious injuries to Frankie's son, Tommy. He will face sentencing on July 19, where he will also be arraigned for the final count, the MEN reports.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday, former Hollyoaks star Paul said Frankie was "such a special person" and a "wonderful actress" who starred alongside him for almost four years. He added: "I adored her, I feel so lost right now".
He also shared the GoFundMe link that has been set up for the boys and their family. Helen Noble, who played Abby Davies in Hollyoaks until 2005, said: "I remember joining the cast and I was involved in her exit storyline, you guys were an amazing pair together and Frankie was an absolute diamond.
"I adored her. I’ll never forget the night I spent partying with her which I think was your leaving party. I can’t believe she is gone. She was such a special person. Sending love to you xxx"
James Redmond, who played Rory Finnigan in Hollyoaks and Abs Denham in Casualty, said: "Awful news, so young too. R.I.P., thoughts with her family", and TV personality Lizzie Cundy said: "So sorry [prayer emojis]".
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