Dustin Diamond, best known for playing '“Screech” in the much-loved NBC sitcom Saved by the Bell, has sadly passed away at the age of 44.

The former child star was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer only a few weeks ago after being hospitalised on 12 January.

Diamond played Samuel “Screech” Powers in the popular teen sitcom franchise between 1989-2000, in its various iterations. Saved by the Bell also made stars of Elizabeth Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen and Lark Voorhies.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.