Original EastEnders actor Ross Davidson has lost his battle with cancer.

Scotsman Ross, 56, who also starred in Hollyoaks, Take The High Road and Brookside, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in February 2005.

Ross searched the country for a cancer cure, saying: "I'm going to try everything to beat this."

But in July 2005 went public to say his tumour was inoperable.

His wife Barbara Black said: "He was a great husband, great father and great son. The amazing thing is Ross kept smiling until the bitter end."

Ross was an original Eastender, playing nurse Andy O'Brien in Eastenders.

His character went down in history for being the first main character to be killed off.

He also famously dated his co-star Shirley Cheriton, who played his on-screen girlfriend Debbie Wilkins.

His agent Keith Bishop said Ross died at his Essex home at 9am yesterday after a goodbye kiss from his children.

He leaves a son Drew from an earlier marriage, Barbara has three children.

Eastenders' Adam Woodyatt - Ian Beale - said: "I probably played more games of football than scenes with Ross. He was a good man with a great sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. It's a great shame he has left us."