Lee appeared in Grange Hill

Grange Hill star Lee Whitlock has died at the age of 54.

The actor was best known for his appearances in Grange Hill, The Bill and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, where he starred opposite Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp.

The news was confirmed by acting agency Urban Collective, who shared a statement on social media.

‘Saddened by the death of our client Lee Whitlock,’ they said on Twitter. ‘Lee was a great character & a great actor who has left a legacy of brave & groundbreaking work achieved at a particularly young age. 

‘Lee was hugely entertaining, funny & positive to work with, condolences to family & friends. RIP.’

Lee appeared in programmes including EastEnders, Coronation Street and Grange Hill throughout his career.

More to follow.