Actress Melanie Hughes, who won the title of Miss Wales in 1997 and went on to have minor roles in shows like Coronation Street and Cold Feet, has passed away aged just 39.
Her husband, Rick Hughes, announced the news on Twitter over the weekend and has since paid a moving tribute to his wife.
Read more: former Coronation Street legend passes away after short illness
Giving a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Rick told The Daily Post: “Mel was a lovely soul, she was kind and gentle.
“Mel was so kindhearted and had time for absolutely everyone.
“We are absolutely devastated at the loss of such a wonderful spirit and will never ever forget her.”
The couple, who had been together 10 years, shared son Kaden, three, and Mel was also stepmum to Rick’s 16-year-old daughter, Taylor.
Speaking of the effect her sudden death has had on the children, Rick said:
“Kaden doted on his mummy. He is asking where mummy is.
“We had a holiday of a lifetime two months ago in Disney World Florida with my family and I am so glad we did as that has so many pictures with so many memories.
“Mel was better looking than all the Disney Princesses and she will always be my Miss Wales.”
Read more: Heartbroken wife pays tribute as MasterChef star husband passes away aged 37
Mel had given up acting in recent years and had been working at energy conservation firm Kingspan in Greenfield for the past 15 years.
The couple married in 2011 after getting engaged at the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
They honeymooned in Mauritius where Mel’s mum is from and met some of the family she’d never met before.
The cause of her death is currently unknown.