Following news of his untimely death, Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou— who plays Leah on the long-running soap— has paid tribute to her late co-star and friend, Ben Unwin.
WATCH: Ada Nicodemou and Ben Unwin star in Home and Away
“I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben’s passing, my heart goes out to his family,” Ada told Yahoo Lifestyle from Greece.
The beloved Australian actress says she knew Ben well and worked with him closely during his time on the Channel Seven series from 1996-2002 and then 2002–2005. Her character Leah Patterson-Baker also had a number of encounters and a brief romance with Ben’s bad-boy character Jesse McGregor— a young thief who was living on the wrong side of the law.
During the seven years he starred on the popular hit series, Jesse worked in Alf Stewart Stewart’s Bait Shop. However, after getting to know the locals, he was accused of burning it down for insurance money. Sentenced to jail, he later met Leah’s (Ada Nicodemou) husband Vinnie.
His epic portrayal of the dark character scored him a Logie nomination in 1997 for Most Popular New Talent. He was also nominated for a British National Television award that same year.
This afternoon, WHO reported that Ben had passed away late last week. A NSW police statement to WHO.com.au on August 15 revealed: “Yesterday, at midday, police attended Minyon Fall, Whian Whian, responding to a concern for welfare. The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious.”
More as the story develops.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact: beyondblue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au; SuicideLine 1300 651 251; MensLine 1300 789 978; Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
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