Dale Meeks: Emmerdale star allegedly suffered from mental health issues, here’s what we know

Dale Meeks starred in Emmerdale from 2003 to 2006 as Simon Meridith. The actor’s death was announced on Facebook by a family member. The post read

So unbelievably sad. Brother in Law, mucca, side kick and just the BEST friend a lad could have wished for. RIP Dale Meeks. So much less to laugh about now you're not there to share it with.

Thanks everyone for all the beautiful messages and memories you have been sharing.

The support of Dale's friends has been so incredibly strong over these chaotic, heartbreaking final hours, I can only stand in awe

Many friends and fans paid their respects, including former co-stars Ant and Dec, who were on CBBC’s Bykers Grove with Dale Meeks.

Dale Meeks died aged 47

Dale Meeks was only 47 when he tragically passed away. As of now, his cause of death hasn’t been officially revealed. However, his brother, Philip Meeks said that ‘heart failure’ will be on his death certificate.

Philip goes on to reveal that his brother had been suffering for a while before his death and was ‘profoundly unwell’ before his passing. In a tribute on Instagram, Philip wrote:

The little boy I grew up with has left me. I cared for him so deeply. I tried so desperately to help him. It will say heart failure on the death certificate. But we'll be collecting for @mindcharity . Dale was profoundly unwell and unable to cope and undiagnosed conditions in men in their forties are killers. Dale was let down by those who should have seen beyond his ability to act and recognise his pain. I will never get over his death

Mind Charity is an organisation dedicated to mental health in the UK. The fact that the family are collecting donation for the charity could suggest that Dale was indeed suffering from mental healthissues.

Read more:

⋙ S Club 7's Paul Cattermole dealt with health issues and financial difficulties years before his death

⋙ Paul O’Grady had ongoing health issues before his death close friend reveals

⋙ Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie’s cause of death revealed 4 months later

Tributes for Dale Meeks

Many fans and celebrities have been sending their love and paying their respects to Dale Meeks and his family. Denise Welsch commented on Philip’s post:

I’m so so sorry Phillip. The way Dales illness and ultimate death has been handled is beyond shocking ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Ant and Dec also posted on Twitter to pay their respects:

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 the arch nemesis of the Byker ‘Grovers’! A sad loss at such a young age. RIP Dale. Sleep well bonny lad 🙏

Sources used:

Daily Mail: ‘Brother of Emmerdale star Dale Meeks says actor was 'profoundly unwell' and 'let down' while struggling with mental health issues as Byker Grove co-stars Ant and Dec lead tributes after his death aged 47’

Daily Mail: ‘Emmerdale and The Hunt for Raoul Moat star Dale Meeks dies age 47: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly lead the tributes for 'loved and respected' actor whose career began in Byker Grove’