Tributes have appeared across Port Talbot to commemorate Mike "Pancho" Locke, the Dirty Sanchez star who died on Friday, November 6 at the age of 47. Born in Neath, Locke became a household name through MTV's stunt and prank show Dirty Sanchez.
Mural and memorials in the town
A new mural has been painted on Water Street in his memory, celebrating the Welshman who rose to fame in the noughties alongside Mathew Pritchard, Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce. Outside San Portablo in Aberafan Shopping Centre, flowers, photographs and handwritten cards have been gathering as people come to pay their respects.
Nigel Hunt, founder of Welsh clothing brand San Portablo and a close friend of Pancho, said people had been coming into the shop throughout Saturday to offer their condolences. Some brought flowers and cards, while others simply wanted to show their support, including people who had never met him.
Community response and legacy
Hunt said: "People [today] are just coming in and giving us cards and flowers. Everyone' coming in. People who didn't even know him are coming up to us. It's really nice. His family is here now because people just feel compelled to come."
Pancho found further success through his involvement with San Portablo, working alongside his friend Nigel to back the distinctive Welsh clothing brand, which has developed its own loyal following. Announcing his death on Instagram on Friday morning, San Portablo described him as an "absolute Welsh treasure" and an "all round Goodfella" who "lit up the world with his charm".
