A whole host of stars from stage and screen have rushed to pay tribute to Dale Meeks, after the North East actor's death at the age of 48..
It was one of Dale's family members who announced his death on Sunday afternoon, just a week after the South Shields born star made a TV return 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."
READ MORE: Dale Meeks dies at 47 as tributes pour in for Emmerdale and Byker Grove star
Dale's death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the South Tyneside community and, among those quick to pay tribute were Ant and Dec, who starred with Dale in Byker Grove in the early 90s. Reacting to his passing, they 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 the arch nemesis of the Byker ‘Grovers’! A sad loss at such a young age. RIP Dale. Sleep well bonny lad."
The Geordie presenters were just two of many famous faces to speak out about Dale's death. Another Byker Grove star, Lesley Saint-John, famous for playing Kath Dobson in the CBBC show, also had a touching message about her late co-star and friend. Lesley told Chronicle Live: "I'm still in shock I can't quite take it in. I've known Dale since the early 1990s, when we were both in Byker Grove. We met many times after that over the years. About 10 years ago, I started putting shows on for people with dementia and Dale would come and sing for them. They loved him."
Lesley added: "He was so entertaining. He was a great actor and really funny. He's been taken far too soon, he will be sadly missed. RIP my friend."
Actor Simon Delaney, who appeared alongside Dale on stage, wrote: "Cannot believe this news tonight. Had the pleasure of performing alongside Dale in the Tivoli theatre, in The Blues Brothers musical. Such happy memories. What a talent. And what an absolute gent of a man. Rest in peace brother." And, another industry professional, theatre director, Nick Winston tweeted: "Devastated to read about the passing of @dalemeeks - such a wonderful, supportive human. Love to all his family and friends."
Noted newspaper editor and TV news commentator Kevin Maguire reacted: "A Shields lad, I remember Dale Meeks from Byker Gove and he’s in the Raoul Moat TV crime drama. Gone far too soon. RIP."
Local panto legend and The Customs House South Shields' Executive Director, Ray Spencer, also paid tribute to Dale, days after tweeting him to tell him how nice it was to see him back on TV. Returning to Twitter, Ray posted: "Sad news the brilliantly gifted performer writer & director has left the stage far too soon! Proud to watch you on the West End, TV & work with you. You made me & many more laugh. You were a fierce friend of those you loved. You had so much still to give."
Tributes also flooded in for Dale on Facebook, with fellow South Tyneside performer Stephen Sullivan left heartbroken by 'inspirational' Dale's passing, as he wrote: "Dale Meeks was an inspiration to me, watching the band when I was younger, watching him perform on stage, seeing him on the telly box and working with him. He was such a talent. He had so much more to give. He was loved and respected more than he knew. The last time I worked with him was an absolute joy."
Stephen added: "It hasn’t sunk in yet and today has been somewhat of a blur. Dale, you will be dearly missed, you had a heart as big as your talent and a sense of humour and laugh bigger than both!"
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