Dale Meeks, the South Shields-born actor best known for roles in Byker Grove and Emmerdale, died aged 48 from heart failure at South Tyneside Hospital in April 2023.
Career beginnings and Byker Grove
Meeks started his showbiz career in the BBC children's drama Byker Grove, playing Greg, head of the Denton Burn youth club, direct rivals to the main characters.
He later transitioned to adult roles, most notably as Simon Meredith in the ITV soap Emmerdale. Simon, a fishmonger, had a turbulent romance with Nicola Blackstock before leaving for Costa Rica in 2006.
Theatre and music
Beyond television, Meeks was a skilled theatre performer, appearing in The Producers, Chicago, A Christmas Carol and the West End production of Love Never Dies. He was also a gifted singer and, alongside fellow Emmerdale actor Mark Charnock, won ITV's Stars in Their Eyes Celebrity Special as the Blues Brothers.
His other credits included Casualty, Inspector George Gently and the Tracey Beaker spin-off The Dumping Ground. His last role was in the ITV drama The Hunt For Raoul Moat.
Tributes from co-stars
His brother Philip said: "My heart is broken."
Former Byker Grove co-stars Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly said in a joint statement: "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."
Emmerdale's Nick Miles said: "Such sad news. He was a lovely generous man. RIP." Charlie Hardwick, who played Val Pollard, said: "I'm very saddened by this dreadful news. I liked Dale so much and loved working with him. He was a funny, sweet, very talented gentle giant."
Les Dennis, who shared the stage with Meeks in pantomime, said: "He was great company and so talented. Thoughts with his family and friends." Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton remarked: "He made me and my then-husband Andy (Scott-Lee) feel so welcome... It's a real shame that we've lost him."
Other works
Meeks co-authored a play chronicling South Shields FC's FA Vase triumph over Cleethorpes Town in 2017. After his death, the club posted: "Everyone at SSFC was saddened to learn of the death of Dale Meeks. Dale co-wrote Everywhere We Go, the popular play based on our journey to FA Vase success in 2017. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
