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Dale Meeks
Dale Meeks
Dale Meeks
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Dale Meeks (6 May 1975 – 22 April 2023) was an English television and theatre actor.[1]

Key Information

Acting career

[edit]

Meeks was best known for his role as Simon Meredith in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale[2] and as the winner of ITV's Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes with Mark Charnock as the Blues Brothers.

Meeks also starred in Byker Grove[3] as the leader of a gang from rival youth club Denton Burn for five series and played Hips in the BBC series Breeze Block.

Meeks toured the UK with the musical Chicago[4] and appeared in the West End production of Love Never Dies.

Death

[edit]

Meeks died from heart failure on 22 April 2023, at the age of 47.[5]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Dale Meeks

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Dale Meeks (6 May 1974 – 22 April 2023) was an English actor and singer from , , renowned for his versatile performances in television, theatre, and musical productions. Best known for portraying Simon Meredith in the ITV Emmerdale from 2003 to 2006 and Greg in the children's series Byker Grove during the , Meeks built a career spanning over two decades that highlighted his North East roots and charismatic presence. He passed away from at Hospital at the age of 48, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by colleagues including and . Meeks began his professional journey after graduating with a BA in from the in 1996, where he honed his skills through student collaborations and early acting pursuits. His television credits extended beyond soaps to include guest roles in Casualty, , and , as well as a recent appearance as Rory Sutcliffe in the 2023 ITV drama The Hunt for Raoul Moat. On stage, he shone in West End and touring productions, notably as Amos Hart in the UK tour of , the Phantom's assistant in Love Never Dies at the , and in The Producers at the Royal Exchange Theatre in . Additionally, Meeks showcased his vocal talents by winning ITV's Celebrity Special alongside Emmerdale co-star , impersonating . Throughout his career, Meeks also contributed as a and director of pantomimes, drawing on his regional heritage to inspire emerging talent in the North East. His untimely death prompted widespread tributes, with peers describing him as a "lovely generous man" and a "true gem of stage and screen" whose humor and kindness endeared him to many. Meeks' work not only entertained audiences but also reflected his commitment to the in his hometown community.

Early life and education

Early life

Dale Meeks was born on 6 May 1974 in , , . He grew up in a talented family with strong artistic inclinations, including his brother Philip Meeks, who also pursued a career as an and , fostering an early environment that nurtured Dale's interest in performance. During his childhood in , Meeks attended Whitburn Comprehensive School, where he developed his passion for acting through local opportunities. At the age of 14, he gained initial experience performing with the South Shields Amateur Operatic Society, appearing at venues like the Sunderland Empire, which marked his entry into the . Meeks came of age in the North East of England during the , a period when the region's cultural scene was vibrant with , music, and emerging productions that highlighted local talent and stories. This backdrop, combined with his family's artistic influence, laid the foundation for his transition to professional acting.

Education

Dale Meeks enrolled at the in 1993 to study for a BA in , completing the degree in 1996. The curriculum equipped him with essential skills in media production, , and , serving as a critical bridge between his nascent artistic inclinations and his subsequent professional trajectory in the entertainment industry. This foundational training emphasized practical aspects of content creation, enabling Meeks to develop a versatile understanding of both creative and technical elements in media. Key university experiences included collaborative studio projects and co-presenting a magazine-style during his third-year coursework, alongside peers like John Paul Green. These hands-on activities fostered his enthusiasm for on-screen presentation while introducing production techniques, such as scripting, filming, and editing, which later influenced his multifaceted approach to and behind-the-scenes media work. Fellow recalled his supportive and infectious energy as a vital contributor to group dynamics, enhancing the learning environment.

Career

Early career

Dale Meeks made his acting debut at the age of 14 in the children's drama series , where he portrayed Greg, the leader of the rival Denton Burn youth club gang, across multiple episodes from 1990 to 1992. The Newcastle-based production, which aired on , provided Meeks with his first significant exposure in the industry, coinciding with the early careers of co-stars and . This role, rooted in settings, highlighted opportunities for local talent to break into national television from regional hubs like , where Meeks grew up with an early interest in performing. Throughout the 1990s, Meeks built foundational experience with supporting roles in several television mini-series, including Mike Felton in The Wingless Bird (1997), another Cookson-based production set in early 20th-century . These appearances, often in North East-centric stories, allowed him to hone his craft in authentic regional narratives while navigating the limited but accessible opportunities for young actors in and ITV regional programming. In the late , Meeks continued with a role in Catherine Cookson's Tilly Trotter (1999), further establishing his presence in literary adaptations popular in British . Starting young in these productions presented both challenges, such as balancing with professional demands in a competitive field, and opportunities, like inspiring fellow North East youth by demonstrating pathways from local theatre to screen success. His early work emphasized versatile character portrayals in ensemble casts, laying the groundwork for more prominent roles later. Meeks' initial foray extended into the early 2000s with the role of Hips in the short-lived comedy-drama Breeze Block (2002), a six-episode series depicting life in a Newcastle . This appearance reinforced his ties to Geordie-themed content, offering comedic contrast to his prior dramatic work and underscoring the value of regional storytelling in building a sustainable early career.

Television roles

Meeks gained prominence for his recurring role as Simon Meredith, a in the village of , in the ITV Emmerdale from 2003 to 2006. His character, the son of Lesley and Mick Meredith, became romantically involved with Nicola Blackstock (played by ), leading to dramatic storylines involving family tensions and personal conflicts before Simon departed the village for a new life abroad. This portrayal, spanning over 80 episodes, showcased Meeks' ability to convey everyday resilience in rural settings, contributing to the soap's exploration of community dynamics. Earlier in his career, Meeks appeared in ITV's period drama adaptations of Catherine Cookson's novels, which highlighted Northern English working-class life. In The Wingless Bird (1997), a four-part set in the early , he played Mike Felton, a supportive figure in a tale of and social constraints during . He followed this with the role of Ned Wheeler in Catherine Cookson's Tilly Trotter (1999), another ITV depicting rural hardship and superstition in 19th-century , where his character added depth to the protagonist's struggles against local prejudices. These productions, produced by North and known for their authentic regional accents and historical detail, helped establish Meeks in literary adaptations focused on heritage. Meeks also took on various guest roles across British television, often embodying working-class characters in drama series. These included a welder in three episodes of BBC Three's supernatural series Being Human (2010), Little Eddy in an episode of ITV's period crime drama Heartbeat (2000), a male voter in the BBC biographical drama Reg (2016), Sammy in the crime thriller Downtime (1997), Custody Sergeant in The Dumping Ground (2014), Stair-lift Engineer in Hebburn (2013), and Eric Alyson in the ITV legal miniseries Close and True (2000). Meeks' final television role was as Rory Sutcliffe in the 2023 ITV drama The Hunt for Raoul Moat. Throughout his television work, Meeks contributed to British drama by portraying authentic regional voices, particularly from , in soaps, adaptations, and ensemble casts that emphasized community and . Building on his early start in , these roles from the 2000s onward solidified his presence in genre-spanning narratives.

Theatre and music

Dale Meeks demonstrated his versatility as a performer through a series of notable roles in , where his vocal abilities complemented his acting prowess. In 2007, he starred as Amos Hart in the UK tour of the musical , portraying the hapless husband in a production that ran nationwide until September of that year. His performance of the poignant number "Mr. Cellophane" was highlighted for its emotional depth and show-stopping quality, earning praise for capturing the character's vulnerability amid the show's satirical flair. Meeks continued to build his theatre credentials with appearances in major productions. He took on the role of Franz Liebkind in Mel Brooks' The Producers at the Royal Exchange Theatre in in 2018, contributing to a critically acclaimed revival noted for its sharp wit and energetic staging. Reviewers commended his portrayal of the eccentric Nazi as effectively comedic, though intense in delivery, fitting the show's irreverent tone. Earlier, in 2010, he played the in a musical adaptation of co-produced by the West Yorkshire Playhouse and , part of a macabre yet festive production that toured and drew strong audiences for its innovative take on Dickens' classic. Meeks also appeared in the West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies in 2010, further showcasing his skills in large-scale . Meeks also worked as a writer and director of pantomimes, drawing on his regional heritage to inspire emerging talent in the North East. Beyond the stage, Meeks ventured into music performance, leveraging his singing talent in both competitive and band settings. He won ITV's Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes in a 2005 special, performing as part of a Blues Brothers duo alongside fellow actor Mark Charnock. Additionally, he served as frontman for the South Tyneside blues band Shake Your Tail Feather, where he delivered vocals in live performances featuring North East musicians, blending his theatrical energy with blues standards. These endeavors highlighted Meeks' ability to integrate musical performance with his acting career, allowing him to explore live audiences in ways that extended his dramatic range.

Death and legacy

Death

Dale Meeks died from on 23 April 2023 at South Tyneside District Hospital in , . He was 48 years old at the time of his death. His brother, Philip Meeks, confirmed the news to the press, expressing profound grief over the loss. The family requested privacy during their time of mourning following the announcement.

Tributes

Following Dale Meeks' death, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans, highlighting his warmth, talent, and enduring impact on British entertainment. and , his co-stars from the children's series , led the responses, describing Meeks as "the loveliest of guys" and expressing their heartbreak over his passing at age 48. Their joint statement on , as reported by multiple outlets, emphasized the deep bond formed during their early careers in the North East. Fellow Emmerdale cast members also shared heartfelt messages, with , who co-starred with Meeks and performed alongside him in a celebrity special as , revealing how Meeks "carried him through" personal dark times. Charnock's tribute, posted on and covered in entertainment news, praised Meeks' supportive nature and professional charisma during their three years together on the ITV soap. The official production team issued a statement mourning the "immensely talented" actor who portrayed Simon Meredith from 2003 to 2006, noting his significant contribution to the series. Media outlets across the UK covered Meeks' life and legacy extensively, with BBC News focusing on his early breakthrough in Byker Grove and his transition to prime-time television. The Guardian highlighted his recent role in the ITV drama The Hunt for Raoul Moat and his reputation as a versatile performer who bridged genres with ease. Regional publication ChronicleLive, based in the North East, emphasized Meeks' roots in South Shields and his role as a proud ambassador for local talent, gathering tributes from TV stars and underscoring his influence on emerging artists in the area. Meeks' legacy as a multifaceted performer—spanning television, theatre productions like The Producers, and music as frontman of Shake Your Tail Feather—resonated in the responses, with commentators noting his inspiration for regional arts communities. , where he graduated, paid tribute to his achievements and the pride he brought to his hometown. In a posthumous recognition, the 2023 BAFTA TV Awards included a dedication to Meeks during the ceremony, honoring his contributions to British screen acting.

References

  1. https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/features/dale-meeks-607
  2. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-65371532
  3. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2023/05/23/dale-meeks-actor-byker-grove-emmerdale-died-obituary/
  4. https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/more/news/story/tributes-paid-to-sunderland-graduate-and-actor-dale-meeks--2110
  5. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/apr/23/emmerdale-actor-dale-meeks-dies-aged-47
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1255427/
  7. https://englandsnortheast.co.uk/1970-1989/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0141988/
  9. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12006485/Emmerdale-star-Dale-Meeks-profoundly-unwell-let-died-brother-said.html
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0328735/
  11. https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/breeze_block/cast_crew/
  12. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/252725055/dale-meeks
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1349938/fullcredits/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0599050/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5106042/fullcredits/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119015/fullcredits/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3257730/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3332284/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0274246/fullcredits/
  20. https://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/content/articles/2007/02/27/theatre_chicago_dale_meeks_feature.shtml
  21. https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/1118907.chicago-york-grand-opera-house/
  22. https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/the-producers-and-emmerdale-star-dale-meeks-has-died-aged-48_58809/
  23. https://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/the-producers-royal-exchange-16897
  24. https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/leisure/theatre/8734219.review-a-christmas-carol-west-yorkshire-playhouse-leeds-until-january-15/
  25. https://dalemeeks.muchloved.com/
  26. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/tv/dale-meeks-dead-emmerdale-actor-26764032
  27. https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1762267/emmerdale-cast-mark-charnock-dale-meeks-death-twitter-tribute
  28. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/tv/dale-meeks-dead-tributes-emmerdale-26764316
  29. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/tv/dale-meeks-tribute-baftas-2023-26914087
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