Saved By The Bell star Dustin Diamond dies, aged 44

Diamond had been diagnosed with cancer in January

Saved By The Bell star Dustin Diamond has passed away aged 44. The actor, who rose to fame for playing Screech in the much-loved nineties sitcom, had battled stage four cancer having been diagnosed just a matter of weeks ago. The news of his death was confirmed in a statement from his representative on Monday. 'We are saddened to confirm of Dustin Diamond’s passing on Monday, February 1st, 2021 due to carcinoma,' the statement read. 'He was diagnosed with this brutal, relentless form of malignant cancer only three weeks ago. In that time, it managed to spread rapidly throughout his system; the only mercy it exhibited was its sharp and swift execution. 'Dustin did not suffer. He did not have to lie submerged in pain. For that, we are grateful.' Only last month his rep confirmed Diamond's cancer diagnosis and that it was "serious", with reports claiming he had noticed a large lump developing in his throat but had put off going to the doctors. He was treated in hospital in Florida last month and is said to have undergone chemotherapy in a bid to prolong his life. As well as his appearances in Saved By The Bell, UK audiences will remember him from his time in Celebrity Big Brother, in which he was a contestant in 2013.