The actor Kristian Ealey has died at the age of 38.
The star was best known for playing Matt Musgrove in the Channel 4 soap ‘Brookside’, before playing the same character on its sister show, ‘Hollyoaks’.
His cause of death has yet to be announced.
Many of his former castmates have paid tribute to the young actor.
Suzanne Collins, who played Nikki Shadwick in ‘Brookside’, told the Liverpool Echo: “He was brilliant to work with, he was loads of fun.
Leon Lopez, who played Jerome Johnson on the popular Channel 4 soap which ended in 2003, tweeted: “Am absolutely heartbroken by the news about @Smithdownslim ! Such a lovely soul! RIP X”
Kristian played Matt on Brookside for two years between 1998 and 2000. His character then moved to Chester where he played the same role in ‘Hollyoaks’ until 2004, as a janitor at Hollyoaks Community College.
His other roles included playing Beatles legend Ringo Starr in the made-for-TV film, ‘In His Life: The John Lennon Story’.
He was also a member of the Liverpool band Tramp Attack.
Singer/ songwriter Pete Wylie paid his respects, tweeting: “So very sad to hear the shocking news about Kris Ealey.
"Always a power for good,whether music or mood. Gonna be missed big time. Love to all those left behind xxx”
Musician Russ Pritchard added to the tribute by tweeting: “Tell everyone you love that you love them as often as possible, because we really don’t know how long any of us have here #KrisEaley”