Soap stars and musicians have been paying tribute to a former Hollyoaks actor who has died at the age of 38.
Kristian Ealey was best known for portraying the character of Matt Musgrove, a role he first played in Brookside in 1998, before continuing it on the Chester -based soap just a few years later.
His sudden death has shocked former co-stars who have left messages about 'lovely soul' Kris who was well-known on Liverpool's music scene as a member of Tramp Attack.
As well as his acting career, Ealey also played with Liverpool musicians Edgar Jones and Candie Payne in Edgar Jones and the Jones’ during his time on Hollyoaks.
In 2000 he was cast as Ringo Starr in the film In His Life: The John Lennon Story.
Ex-Brookside stars Suzanne Collins, Paul Byatt and Michael Starke all took to social media following the sad news of his death.
Suzanne, who played Nikki Shadwick in Brookside, told The Chronicle's sister title the Liverpool Echo: “He was brilliant to work with, he was loads of fun. "
“It’s terrible terrible news. He lived for his young son Jakey. I’m so shocked and gutted.”
And co-star Leon Lopez who played Jerome Johnson, told his followers: “Am absolutely heart broken by the news about @Smithdownslim ! Such a lovely soul! RIP X”
You can leave your tributes to Kristian in the comments section below.
