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."
READ MORE Dale Meeks cause of death revealed as 'heart failure' as actor passes away at 48
Social media was quickly aswah with tributes to the former Emmerdale and Byker Grove star, with Ant and Dec sharing their memories of the star who played one of their arch rivals in the hit Newcastle based CBBC show.
Dale's former Emmerdale co-stars have also spoken of their sadness at his passing as has Les Dennis, who starred alongside Dale in Cinderella, with Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney, the late actor globally famous for his role in National Velvet.
Ex Family Fortunes host Les took to Twitter to pay tribute, writing: "So terribly sad to hear of the passing of lovely @dalemeeks Did Panto with him in Sunderland. He was great company and so talented. Thoughts with his family and friends."
Sunderland Empire also took to Facebook to pay their own respects, sharing a photo of the Cinderella flyer, also featuring Michelle Heston and her then husband Andy Scott-Lee and writing: "Everyone at Sunderland Empire are saddened to hear of the passing of Dale Meeks. Dale has performed on our stage a number of times over the years, but most memorably for us he starred in Cinderella back in 2007, our centenary year."
The Empire added: "Dale was incredibly dedicated, and even performed on our stage on crutches following an injury! Our thoughts are with his friends and family, particularly his brother Phillip, another one of our panto legends."
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