Byker Grove star Terry Joyce dies as fans and co-stars express shock

23 June 2024 , 07:30

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Comedian and actor Terry Joyce, who starred in Byker Grove, has died with tributes pouring in for the 90s star

Terry Joyce has died with shocked tributes pouring in for the much-loved star who played Gerry in Byker Grove during the 1990s.

The comedian and actor has been a fix on TV for decades and recently starred in BBC sitcom Hebburn, in which he played a solicitor. As well as starring in BBC children's drama Byker Grove, which launched Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly to fame, Terry also had roles in Newcastle-based Spender, alongside its star Jimmy Nail, and Super Gran.

Terry was well-known on the comedy circuit across the north east and beyond and among those paying tribute to him is fellow comedian Sue Sweeney who wrote on Facebook: "So very sad to hear the news of the passing of one of the great North East Comedians and my Friend Terry Joyce, he was such a lovely man with the most incredible humour. Fly high Terry you gave us so many laughs."

Terry Joyce in Byker Grove

BBC radio presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough, who is one of the best-known voices in the north east, shared a heartfelt tribute to Terry on Facebook: "Sad news today re the passing of the lovely Terry Joyce. A lovely lad & a fabulous comedian. Terry worked with the very best & they loved working with him. A huge loss to the North East & beyond. Rest in peace Terry & thanks for the many laughs."

Terry Joyce as PC Rupert Leekie, with Gudrun Ure as Supergran (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Fellow comedian Gary Marshall wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Sleep well, mate! Worked with Terry Joyce for the 1st time at Harehills WMC in the 90s , laughed long and hard!!! A real Comedians comedian." While another paid tribute to Terry on Facebook, writing: "R.I.P a true hebburn lad ,a good friend and will be a huge miss, keep cracking those jokes Terry Joyce."

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The cause of Terry's death is currently unknown.

Byker Grove ran from 1989 to 2006 and was one of the most popular children's dramas of its generation, launching a couple of the biggest names in TV. Declan Donnelly first appeared on the show in 1989 as Duncan Sperring and a year later he was joined by Ant McPartlin, who played Peter Jenkins, who was known as PJ. The pair went on to top the charts as PJ and Duncan before they took over TV as Ant and Dec.

James Brinsford