DALE HEARTBREAK
Emmerdale star Dale Meeks was ‘let down’ after struggling with ‘undiagnosed’ mental health conditions, brother says
EMMERDALE star Dale Meeks was "profoundly unwell", says his grieving brother as he reveals "I'll never get over his death".
The star's death was announced on Facebook by a family member on Sunday night.
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The 47-year-old was well-known for his role in Byker Grove alongside Ant and Dec and for playing Simon Meredith on the soap Emmerdale from 2003-2006.
He most recently appeared in ITV's The Hunt for Raoul Moat as the killer's friend Rory Sutcliffe.
His brother Philip Meeks has now said the actor was "unable to cope" as family members tried to help him with "undiagnosed conditions".
In a heart-breaking post he said: "The little boy I grew up with has left me.
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"I tried so desperately to help him. It will say heart failure on the death certificate.
"But we'll be collecting [money] for Mind Charity.
"Dale was profoundly unwell and unable to cope and undiagnosed conditions in men in their forties are killers.
"Dales was let down by those who should have seen beyond his ability to act and recognise his pain.
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"I will never get over his death."
The tragic news about the Geordie actor came just a week after he was last on our screens.
The post online read: "So unbelievably sad. Brother in law, mucca, side kick and just the BEST friend a lad could have wished for.
"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."
As the news broke last night tributes poured in for the much-loved star.
Duo Ant and Dec paid tribute to their former co-star.
In a tribute tweeted from their joint account they wrote: "We are so incredibly sorry to hear the very sad news of Dale's passing.
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"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 Nick Miles, who plays Jimmy King in Emmerdale, added: "Such sad news. He was a lovely generous man. RIP."
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
- Movember,
- Anxiety UK , 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm
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