Dale Meeks dead: Emmerdale & Byker Grove star dies aged 47 as Ant & Dec lead tributes to ‘loveliest of guys’

EMMERDALE star Dale Meeks has died aged 47 with heartfelt tributes led by Ant and Dec pouring in for the actor.

Dale's death was announced by a family member on Facebook.

The 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.

"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, heart-breaking final hours, I can only stand in awe."

The much-loved Emmerdale star played Simon Meredith on the popular ITV soap, which he appeared in between 2003 and 2006.

Ant and Dec, who were former co-stars of Meeks on Byker Grove were quick to pay tribute to the star as the news broke.

The presenters wrote in a tweet on their joint account: "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 arch nemesis of the Byker 'Grovers'! A sad loss at such a young age. RIP Dale. Sleep well bonny lad."

While co-star Nick Miles, who plays Jimmy King in Emmerdale, added: "Such sad news. He was a lovely generous man. RIP."

Dale, who began his acting career in Byker Grove, played a gang leader of a youth club on the CBBC show.

Dale also recently appeared in the three-part TV drama The Hunt for Raoul Moat as the killer's friend Rory Sutcliffe.

The episode aired just last week.

Another one of Dale's memorable TV appearances came as he and his won Celebrity Stars in their Eyes as the Blues Brothers in 2005.

Outside of TV Dale toured the country in the cast of Chicago and also had a role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies.

He was also the frontman of South Tyneside blues act Shake Your Tail Feather.

Friends, family and fans shared emotional tributes to the Geordie actor in the comments section of the Facebook post.

"Unbelievably sad," one said.

While another wrote: "So sad a lovely lad and great character."

A third said: ";Oh gosh, I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you all loads of love xxx."

Fellow South Tyneside performer Stephen Sullivan was left heartbroken by Dale's passing, writing: "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 continued: "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!"