Home and Away star Ben Unwin dies at home aged 41

Ben Unwin
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Home and Away bosses pay tribute to actor Ben Unwin who died at his home last week...

Former Home and Away actor Ben Unwin, who was better known to soap fans as Summer Bay's Jesse McGregor, has tragically passed away at the age of 41.

It has been confirmed that the Australian star died at home last week - the police aren't treating his death as suspicious. The cause of death has not been confirmed.

A New South Wales police statement told Yahoo Lifestyle that on the 14th August "police attended Minyon Falls, 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."

Home and Away logo

Home and Away fans will remember Ben played Jessie on Home and Away between 1996 and 2000, before returning to the role in 2002 and leaving again in 2005.

Ben was such a popular part of the Home and Away cast that his performance as Jesse landed him a Logie nomination in 1997 for the Most Popular New Talent category. He was also nominated for a National Television Award in the same year.

Former co star Ada Nicodemou, who famously plays Leah Patterson-Barker in the soap paid tribute to her friend while speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle: "I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben's passing, my heart goes out to his family."

Zac Macguire finds out about the HSC tampering, Leah Paterson-Baker is not happy at their evening being interupted in Home and Away.

Ada Nicodemou who plays Summer Bay's Leah Patterson baker has paid triable to Ben (Picture: Channel 5)

Lynne McGranger, who plays legendary Irene Roberts in the show also spoke of her sadness: "It is a terrible tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to his friends and family."

While another of Ben's former co-stars, Kimberley Cooper, who played Gypsy Smith on the show also took to Instagram to share her heartbreak at his passing... "I will be sad for now, but I promise to tell stories of great joy about our times together."

A photo posted by on

 

Channel Seven also released an official statement about Ben: "Cast and crew from Home and Away are saddened to learn of the passing of former castmate, Ben Unwin.

"Ben's work in the role of Jessie McGregor is remembered with much affection. Ben's family and friends are in out thoughts and prayers."

Watch Home and Away every weekday at 1.15pm and 6pm on Channel 5

Main picture: Getty Images

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.