Home and Away fans have been left devastated by the death of actor Dieter Brummer at the age of just 45.
In the early hours of Monday morning, Dieter's family confirmed his death in a statement which read: "We lost our handsome, talented, funny, complicated and beloved Dieter.
"He has left a massive hole in our lives and our world will never be the same."
"Our thoughts go out to all of you who knew him, loved him, or worked with him over the years."
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His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Dieter was one half of Home and Away's most famous couples in the 90s, alongside Angel, played by fellow Aussie soap icon Melissa George.
Millions of viewers across the globe were fully invested in their Summer Bay romance, with the pair regulars on children's TV in the UK as well as on the covers of magazines like Smash Hits, TV Hits and Big.
Dieter's popularity made his character Shane's death from septicaemia in 1996 absolutely heartbreaking viewing for scores of fans.
During his time on Home and Away, Dieter won most popular actor at Australia's Logie TV awards two years in a row.
After news of his death broke, Home and Away star Steve Comey took to Twitter to write: "Heartbreaking news. We have lost a free spirit. Vale Dieter Brummer. Way too young. Way too soon.
"My sincerest, deepest condolences to his beautiful sister Karlene and all of Dieter's family and friends. Keep flying young fella."
Fans have been heartbroken by his passing, with one tweeting: "R.I.P Dieter Brummer So sad. I had ‘Shane Parrish’ posters all over my walls when I was younger"
Another reacted: "So saddened to hear about Dieter Brummer. Shane and Angel were the backdrop to my teenage years," and a third posted: "I cried all through the episode when Shane died, and now I’m in tears again. So, so sad. Far too young. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Dieter Brummer"
