Former Neighbours star Darius Perkins dies aged 54

Neighbours star Darius Perkins, who is best known for being the original Scott Robinson in the Australian soap, has died aged 54.

The actor, who also appeared in Home And Away, had been suffering from cancer.

He appeared in Neighbours, then a new soap, in 1985 as Robinson - a role later played by Jason Donovan.

He briefly played another character, Marty Kranic, in 2013. He is reported to have died on Wednesday 2 January.

Former Neighbours co-star and close friend David Clencie said: "We had this incredible bond. We were mates to the very end.

"He was completely selfless."

And he added: "I am so sad, really devastated to lose my mate."

Kate Kuthbert wrote on Twitter: "My adored brother-in-law passed away last night.... He was funny and kind and so loving. And he was too young to go. And I'm really, really sad".