'one in a million'
This Country’s Michael Sleggs dead aged 33 – co-star Charlie Cooper pays touching tribute after BBC 3 actor actor dies overnight
THIS Country's Michael Sleggs has died of heart failure aged 33.
The actor, who played Michael ‘Slugs’ Slugette in the BBC Three comedy, passed away overnight on Tuesday after living with a serious heart condition for many years.
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The WTAF A This Country podcast’s official Twitter account shared the sad news this morning.
Sharing a picture of Michael, it wrote: "We are devastated! Our friend, the man the legend Michael Sleggs #Slugs passed away last night.
"RIP Michael. You are one in a million."
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He has suffered health struggles in the past, having been diagnosed with cancer and heart failure.
Writing on a public fan page for This Country, which was created by his long-time friends Charlie and Daisy May Cooper, he said: "Hi friends, as a lot of you are probably aware I've spent a lot of time in and out of hospital over the past few months.
"This last time it was decided I was reaching the end of options so they've sent me home on palliative care to live out the remainder of my days at home.
"No specific time limit has been given but deterioration has been fairly rapid.
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"I've been sleeping a lot and narrowly dodged a coma by accidentally overdosing on morphine the other day.
"Anyway as you can imagine this isn't the ideal way I wished things to go and my family are dealing with a lot of grief.
"Just wanted to say I love everyone reading this status so much, you have all been such amazing, kind, caring people who have all touched my life in so many unique and incredible ways.
"Sorry if this status is too schmaltzy but not everyone has the chance to say goodbye so indulge me lol."
He added: "Regardless of a few medical issues, I have been blessed with the best life and the best friends and aside from not following God more diligently earlier in life I don't have any regrets."
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A few days later, in what turned out to be his final Facebook post, he explained more about his condition to his followers.
He wrote: "Recently I was put onto palliative care cuz my heart failure was getting out of control.
"By last Friday I was certain I wouldn't be here the next week but miraculously I made some sort of great turn around over the weekend
"I don't know how long this turn around will last but I'll try and keep alive as long as I can."
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Michael's co-star and friend Charlie took to Twitter this afternoon to pay tribute to his pal in a series of tweets.
He wrote: "We are completely heartbroken. Michael was utterly unique. He was kind, he was caring, he was loving. One of the most considerate generous and gentle friends you could ever wish for and funny- fuck me he was funny.
"Despite everything that Michael had been through in his life, he was never bitter or self pitying. He just brought pure joy to everything and everyone. Just being in his company made you happy to be alive.
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"One of Michael’s favourite films was the Muppet Christmas Carol and he would always joke that he was Tiny Tim so it only seems fitting to quote Kermit the frog...
"It's all right, children. Life is made up of meetings and partings. That is the way of it. I am sure that we shall never forget Tiny Tim, or this first parting that there was among us”. Michael you will be so so missed. xxx."
Charlie's uncle Trevor Cooper - who plays Len Clifton in This Country - tweeted: "So sad to hear that lovely Michael Sleggs who played Sluggs in This Country has died. He’s had a fairly awful time with illness in the past few months but he was great fun an we’ll all miss him #RIPSluggs."
Michael's close friend Camilla-Alicia Bates also paid tribute to the actor.
She tweeted: "Last night just before midnight I lost my dear friend, My love @Michael_Sleggs my absolute rock who has always been there for me.
"So grateful I got to spend his final resting with him and so glad he is out of pain and at peace.
"I love you forever. #loveyou #rip #sluggs."
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This Country’s producer Simon Mayhew-Archer paid tribute to Michael on Twitter, writing: "Michael encapsulated the spirit and humour of This Country.
"He was a fantastic, talented man who brought tremendous joy to all who knew him & saw him. I loved working with him & will miss him."
Late actor Michael Sleggs starred as Slugs in This Country
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