Grange Hill actor Mark Farmer has passed away aged 53. The star, who was best known for his roles in Grange Hill and Minder, died following a short battle with cancer.
Tributes began pouring in for the actor, who starred in the iconic BBC children's drama from 1979 to 1981. Leading the touching messages was the show's Twitter account, who paid their condolences in a touching statement which read: "It is with great sadness we report that Mark Farmer aka Gary Hargreaves died earlier today. RIP."
© Photo: TwitterThe actor tragically passed away after a short battle with cancer
The actor played Gary Hargreaves, the older, football-loving brother of Cathy, and has been fondly remembered by fans who have flocked to social media to pay their respects to the star.
One fan tweeted: "Sorry to hear that. Was Justin in Minder & scenes with Arthur/Terry were great. RIP," while another referenced his role as Johnny Jarvis, writing: "Very sad. Along with Tucker's Luck and Going Out, Johnny Jarvis felt like TV just for us."
© Photo: TwitterFans paid tribute to the Grange Hill star on Twitter
After his departure from Grange Hill, the late actor went on to play the troubled and impoverished title character in Johnny Jarvis, the quick-witted Justin James in the comedy drama Minder, and starred alongside Matthew Kelly in Channel 4's Relative Strangers.
CELEBRITY DEATHS IN 2016: FAMOUS FACES GONE TOO SOON
Following a successful career in acting, Mark turned his attention to the world of music, and went on to play acoustic guitar for the band Littlehouse, which he formed with school friend, Billy Hardwicke. The band released single Close My Eyes before Mark went on to perform as a solo artist, releasing a solo album titled The Goodbye Look.
