Dale Meeks, who has died aged 48, played Simon Meredith on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale from 2003 to 2006.
Wearside people will also remember Dale as the man who graced the Empire Theatre stage, turned on The Bridges Christmas lights, and sang his music to the residents of East Durham care homes.
Today, we pay our own tribute to Dale.
1. Nice to meet you
Dale gets a warm greeting as he shakes the hands of Sunderland people in 2008. He was one of the stars of Aladdin who were switching on The Bridges Christmas lights. Photo: PB
2. Starring on stage
Dale was playing Widow Twankey alongside Sheila Ferguson as the Genie in the 2008 Empire Theatre production of Aladdin and it looked like great fun Photo: TC
3. Smiles from 2007
Dale and Les Dennis were the stars who joined locals to switch on the Bridges Christmas lights in 2007. Photo: John Thirlwall
4. A musical talent
Former Emmerdale and Byker Grove actor Dale was pictured entertaining the residents and staff at Bannatyne Lodge, Peterlee, in 2013. Photo: se