Dale Meeks once battled through injury to keep audiences entertained in a Sunderland Empire pantomime, with the venue and his former co-stars paying tribute to the actor, after his death at the age if 48.
News of Dale's death was announced via a Facebook post from a relative on Sunday afternoon, with them writing: "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."
