'Our superhero, we were lucky to know you' Emmerdale actor Harry Whittaker dies aged three #TheElitePartyinJuly #IRepEntertain9jarBlog #TwitterTrendBlog via @myentertain9jar

Toddler who played Leo Dingle has passed away, on-screen dad Mark Charnock leads tributes

 

EMMERDALE actor Harry Whittaker has tragically passed away aged only three.

The toddler – who played Marlon Dingle and Rhona Goskirk's son – died last week, the soap has confirmed.

Harry Whittaker has tragically passed away [Twitter]

Last night's episode ended with a heartfelt tribute to the young actor which read: "To Harry, With Love," alongside a photo of the child star.

Mark Charnock – who's better known by his on-screen name Marlon – led tributes to the youngster who had Down's Syndrome and said he was overwhelmed by fans' messages.

"Our superhero. We were lucky to know you and hear your laugh. You lit up our lives, dearest, loveliest Harry," he wrote.

The ITV soap honoured the late star with this simple but poignant message [ITV]

"Thank you all. We’ll all pass on your overwhelming response to Harry’s amazing family. Thank you for all your kind words. It means a lot," the ITV star added.

"Just want to say a massive and heartfelt thank you for your amazing response to last night’s episodes. So lovely of you," he finished.

Harry's cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Marlon Dingle actor – Mark Charnock – paid his respects on Twitter [Wenn]