Ada Nicodemou leads tributes to late Home and Away star Ben Unwin

Actress Ada Nicodemou has paid tribute to her former co-star Ben Unwin, who died last week aged 41.
The Home and Away star’s death was confirmed by New South Wales police in a statement, with his body being discovered on 14 August (19).
“Police attended Minyon Falls, Whian Whian, responding to a concern for welfare,” the statement read. “The body of a 41-year-old man was located. The death has not been treated as suspicious.”
Ben played the role of bad boy Jesse McGregor on the Aussie soap from 1996 to 2000, and again from 2002 to 2005.
Ada, who has played Leah Patterson in the show since 2000, said in a statement: “I just woke up to the tragic news of Ben’s passing, my heart goes out to his family.”
Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene Roberts, added: “What a terrible tragedy. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Actress Kimberley Cooper, who played Gypsy Nash, shared a magazine cover of herself and Ben on Instagram and wrote: “My first tv week cover was with you. We had years of laughter, be it giggles on set trying to get through scenes as lovers or doubled over belly laughs at the pubs after work. I will be sad for now, but I promise to tell stories of great joy about our times together. You forever hold a special place in my heart. Love you Onion.”
A spokesperson for Channel Seven, which broadcasts Home and Away, said in a statement: “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 Jesse McGregor is remembered with much affection. Ben’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.”
According to Yahoo! Lifestyle, Ben died last week shortly before his 42nd birthday.
During his seven years on the soap, his character Jesse helped Alf Stewart start the famous Bait Shop, which was then called A&J’s Baits and Bits.
In 1997, he was nominated for Most Popular New Talent at Australia’s the Logie Awards.
Ben reportedly gave up acting and completed a law degree. In recent years, he worked as a solicitor in Sydney.