Tributes are pouring in for former soap star Kristian Ealey following the news of his death aged just 38. Kristian made a name for himself playing Matt Musgrove on Brookside from 1998 until 2000, before taking the same character to Hollyoaks between 2000 and 2004. He was also a talented musician, and was a vocalist for the Liverpool rock band Tramp Attack. It is not yet known how he died.Kristian's shocked former co-stars have been remembering the actor, who sadly leaves behind a young son named Jake.
Kristian Ealey has passed away aged just 38
Leon Lopez - Brookside's Jerome Johnson - tweeted: "Am absolutely heartbroken by the news about @Smithdownslim! Such a lovely soul RIP X," while Ben Hull, who played Lewis Richardson in Hollyoaks, added: "Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Kristian Ealey. He was a talented actor & musician and a really lovely guy. RIP."Suzanne Collins, who starred as Nikki Shadwick in Brookside, wrote on Twitter: "Devastated to hear that @Smithdownslim has died. Love to his son Jakey & family #TooYoung #CherishEveryDay #BrookieBratPack."
The actor pictured with former Hollyoaks co-stars in 2001
The actress later told the Liverpool Echo: "He was brilliant to work with, he was loads of fun. He was a fantastic actor, but you should hear him sing. Musically he was so good, he loved to sing and play the guitar. "It's terrible, terrible news. He lived for his young son Jakey. I'm so shocked and gutted."
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Fellow musician Pete Wylie, meanwhile, tweeted: "So very sad to hear the shocking news about Kris Ealey. Always a power for good, whether music or mood. Gonna be missed big time. Love to those left behind xxx."