Emmerdale star Dale Meeks dies age 47 as tributes pour in for actor

Emmerdale star Dale Meeks has died aged 47 as heartfelt tributes have began pouring in.

The actor, 47, played Simon Meredith on the popular ITV soap, which he appeared between 2003 and 2006. 

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, heartbreaking final hours, I can only stand in awe.’

Friends, family and fans shared emotional tributes in the comment section, with one penning: ‘Unbelievably sad’

Another said: ‘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!’

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

Ant and Dec wrote on Twitter: ‘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 the arch nemesis of the Byker ‘Grovers’! A sad loss at such a young age. RIP Dale. Sleep well bonny lad’

Dale’s pal Stephen Sullivan penned on Instagram: ‘Such sad news today. 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. 

‘Craig Richardson, Dale and myself made these little green screen films in lockdown with Danielle Mendes and at a tough time we had such a laugh, usually at my expense and inability to hold a tune…even to drunken sailor.

‘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! Love you big man’

Geordie actor Dale, who began his acting career appearing in Byker Grove, appeared in an episode of The Hunt for Raoul Moat, which aired just last week.

Career: The actor, 47, played Simon Meredith on the popular ITV soap, which he appeared between 2003 and 2006