Pregnant former Hollyoaks actress Frankie Hough has died aged 38 in a fatal car crash while travelling with her two sons and nephew.
Frankie, who starred as Jess Holt in the Channel 4 soap, stopped on the hard shoulder of the M66 when she was struck by a speeding vehicle.
TV star Frankie, her two sons, Tommy, nine and Rocky, two, and nephew Tobias, four, were all transported to hospital via air. Tommy and Tobias are understood to have been put into induced comas.
Frankie, who was pregnant, has since tragically died. Frankie's best friend Debbie Wright said the mum was 18 weeks pregnant.
The tragic crash occurred on Saturday May 14, but Frankie's TV career has only now been revealed as her co-star Paul Danan paid tribute on social media.
Frankie appeared on Hollyoaks from 2000 to 2001 and went on to other roles in Merseybeat, Heartbeat, Where the Heart Is and Wire in the Blood.
Paul, 44, took to Instagram to share a photo of a smiling Frankie and snippets of their time together on the Channel 4 programme.
Paul, who played Jess' boyfriend Sol Patrick in the soap, wrote: "I just heard the most shocking upsetting news I've heard in such a long time.
"Another good good friend who was such a special person has sadly passed away while carrying her unborn baby and her 2 little boys and nephew who were in the car too. They had a terrible car accident."
Paul added: "Here is a link to donate some money for these poor little boys she has left behind who are currently fighting for their lives and will be slowly realising that their mummy isnt alive anymore. Just incomprehensible."
In a second post, he wrote: "Frankie will never get to see her family again and as for her unborn child who never even got a chance in life let alone her two little Gorgeous boys and nephew won't see their mum or aunty again.
"My heart and prayers goes out to them and the husband who God knows how he's coping right now and also her adorable sister's and parents. May we all come together and do what we can to help and support u.
"I am truly devastated and hurting more than u know, to only find this out yesterday 2 weeks after it happened i feel a bit hopeless but know that God will help you all through it somehow and just maybe had a bigger plan for those two."
Co-star Helen Noble, who played Abby Davies in Hollyoaks, also wrote: "I’m so sad and sorry we’ve lost Franki. I remember joining the cast and I was involved in her exit storyline, you guys were an amazing pair together and Franki 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"
Frankie Hough, 38, and her two sons, Tommy, nine and Rocky, two, were travelling along the M66 in Greater Manchester on Saturday May 13 when they were involved in the smash. Nephew Tobias, four, was also a passenger.
All four passengers - all from Chadderton in Oldham - were transported to hospital via air ambulance where Tommy and Tobias were understood to have been put into induced comas.
Frankie and her unborn baby were laid to rest on June 9th after she died aged 38.
Her family have set up a GoFundMe page with a target of raising £60,000 for the young boys' recoveries and to "help build back our family in memory of our angel".
Adil Iqbal, 22, has pleaded guilty to causing her death, he also admitted to causing serious injuries to Frankie's son, Tommy.
Iqbal, of Accrington, Lancashire, will face sentencing on July 19th.
Frankie's best friend Debbie Wright set up the fundraising page and described Frankie's partner Calvin "frantically" by her bedside.
Donate to Frankie's GoFundMe page here.
