Published on 19 April 2023
Staff at the University have joined those paying tribute to former Byker Grove and Emmerdale star Dale Meeks, who has sadly died at the age of 48.
Dale, who graduated from the University in 1996, after studying a BA Media Studies degree, played the character Simon Meredith in Emmerdale between 2003 and 2006, most recently, he starred in ITV drama The Hunt for Raoul Moat.
Dale also appeared in the teen TV drama series Byker Grove as Greg, the leader of a gang from rival youth club Denton Burn. The show launched the careers of a host of stars, including presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who also paid to tribute to their friend at the weekend.
It’s been reported by his family, that Dale, from South Shields, died from heart failure on Saturday evening in hospital.
Sunderland academic John Paul Green, Principal Lecturer (Team Leader – Film and Media) at the University, studied alongside Dale between 1993 and 1996, before the pair graduated together. They also worked together on several studio projects and presented a student-focused magazine style show for their joint third-year project.
John Paul says: “This is incredibly sad news that Dale has passed. My memories of him are that he was a very friendly, good-humoured, funny and supportive student and friend. He had such a cheery disposition with an infectious enthusiasm that brought out the best in everyone on the course.
“My thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Gary Stubbs Gary Stubbs, a freelance Director and Assistant Director, and University of Sunderland Programme Leader for MA Media Production (Film and Television),said: “It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Dale a beloved local actor.
“Dale’s performances on stage and screen captivated and inspires many local aspiring actors in South Tyneside and the north-east. Dale was a great inspiration to many young people in South Tyneside when he was cast in Byker Grove, it showed a local lad could be on telly. Then when he went on to be a principle cast member in Emmerdale his passion and dedication to acting inspired many more young actors to pursue their dream.
“Dale’s passing is a great loss, but his legacy will live on through the memories and impact he made in the local arts scene. My deepest condolences go to Dale’s family, friends and fans during this difficult time.”
TV presenters Ant and Dec have paid their tributes to their former Byker Grove co-star.
Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, who portrayed PJ and Duncan in Byker Grove at the start of their careers, tweeted on Sunday: "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'!"
They added: "A sad loss at such a young age. RIP Dale. Sleep well bonny lad."
Born in South Shields, Meeks was a star of both screen and stage, performing in The Producers, Chicago and A Christmas Carol, as well as a West End production of Love Never Dies.
In Emmerdale, his character, the friendly fishmonger Simon was romantically linked to Nicola King (played by Nicola Wheeler) but left the fictional Yorkshire village to start a new live in Costa Rica.
Meeks was also a singer, winning ITV's Stars in Their Eyes Celebrity Special, alongside fellow Emmerdale actor Mark Charnock as the Blues Brothers.
His last TV appearance came in a small role in ITV's The Hunt For Raoul Moat last week.
Meek's other credits include roles in Casualty, Inspector George Gently and the Tracey Beaker spin-off The Dumping Ground.
His fellow actor Nick Miles, who plays Jimmy King in Emmerdale, added his tribute, tweeting: "Such sad news. He was a lovely generous man. RIP."