Tragedy as Neighbours villain Troy Beckwith dead at 48: ‘There will be no funeral’

The family of Neighbours star Troy Beckwith has said he will have “peace at last” after his death, while confirming there will be no funeral.

The family of late Neighbours star Troy Beckwith has revealed his death followed a “tough battle” with cancer.

Beckwith, who played the infamous villain Michael Martin on the popular TV show for almost a decade, died aged 48, it was announced on Sunday.

The Melbourne actor’s sister, Juanita Sanger, announced his death on her Facebook page.

“RIP bro! Troy we will always remember that most mischievous, contagious laugh. Everyone loved you,” Ms Sanger wrote alongside family photos

“Boy did we have fun growing up. A free spirit that couldn’t be held down. And the stories … we could write a book!

“I know Mum will be so happy to be reunited with her boy. Peace at last.”

Beckwith's sister, Juanita, posted a tribute to her brother on social media.

Beckwith’s tragic death first made headlines after his former co-star Kym Valentine announced it on social media.

“It pains me so much to have to say this. Our dear old friend Troy Beckwith has passed away,” Valentine said on Facebook.

“Another member of our TV family gone way too soon. There will be no funeral as per Troy’s request.

“Thanks for all the memories my cheeky mate and all my love to your friends and family.”

Troy Beckwith.

On Monday, one of the actor’s relatives, Shane Beckwith, addressed rumours about Beckwith’s cause of death.

“The family would like everyone to know that Troy fought a tough battle with cancer,” he said.

He played Michael Martin on Neighbours.

Other members of the Neighbours family were shocked by the sad news shared by Valentine, who had a long-running role as Libby Kennedy.

“He was such a lovely person,” wrote actor Brett Blewitt, who plays Brett Stark. “Deeply thoughtful and empathetic. Cheeky and playful once out of his shell. Way too soon. Love you mate.”

Casting director Jan Russ added: “Oh no!!! Dear Troy … That is so sad … gorgeous boy.”

The official Instagram account for Neighbours also uploaded a tribute post to Beckwith.

“Everyone here at Neighbours was very saddened to hear of the passing of Troy Beckwith. Fans will remember Troy for his memorable role as Michael Martin in the 1990s. We send our love and condolences to his loved ones at this very difficult time. Executive Producer, Jason Herbison says: ‘Everyone at Neighbours remembers Troy as a very talented young actor who brought passion and complexity to the role of Michael. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.’”

Former Neighbours star Kym Valentine broke the sad news. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Beckwith played Martin – a character that was branded “Sicko Micko” – on the beloved soap from 1992 to 1998.

He has been described as one of the great Neighbours villains and one of the most iconic characters from the 90s.

Lucinda Cowden, who plays Melanie Pearson on the soap, posted a string of broken heart emojis.

Troy’s friend Selina Laine Bonica wrote: “We lost a star and the heavens gained one.

“Troy, you were a pain in my a**, but I loved you dearly. I’m just glad you’re free from pain.”

Troy also played the lead character in the children’s series Pugwall, starring in the role of keyboard player Jeremy “Bazza” Bazlington.

Troy’s death comes almost seven years after he sparked fears for his safety after going missing in 2017.

The actor vanished in Melbourne leaving his partner and his family fearing for his welfare.

Police were concerned at the time because he had a medical condition.

– with The Sun