Mike Locke, the Dirty Sanchez star better known as Pancho, has died at the age of 47.
The Welsh stuntman rose to fame on the MTV series, widely regarded as the UK’s answer to Jackass, alongside Matthew Pritchard, Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce.
He helped launch the controversial prank show in 2003. The series ran for four seasons and was filmed in Newport and locations across the UK.
Often described as a more extreme version of Jackass, Dirty Sanchez saw its cast members subject themselves and one another to painful and dangerous stunts.
The series spawned two MTV spin-offs, as well as a film and a stage show. Locke and Pritchard also became known as the ‘Pain Men’ on Channel 4’s Balls of Steel.
In later years, Locke found success co-founding the clothing brand San Portablo with his friend Nigel Hunt.
San Portablo began with a stall at Aberavon Shopping Centre. It later expanded to a permanent store in the centre, along with another shop at the airport.
News of Locke’s death was shared on San Portablo’s Instagram account, which paid tribute to the ‘Welsh Treasure’ who had ‘lived an incredible life’.
Dirty Sanchez star Mike Locke, also known as Pancho, has died at the age of 47
The stuntman became known for the hit MTV show, often described as the UK’s version of Jackass, alongside Matthew Pritchard, Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce
Locke helped launch Dirty Sanchez in 2003, with the show running for four seasons and filming in Newport and across the UK
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In a moving tribute, his family wrote: ‘It is with profound sadness that San Portablo and the Locke family announce the passing of father, son, brother, uncle, friend, skater, stuntman and all-round goodfella Michael Richard Locke.
‘Affectionately known to the world as Pancho, he was an absolute Welsh Treasure and San Portablo King.
‘We are sure his brilliance will continue to shine far and wide, high and low, and across the seven seas.
‘He lived an incredible life and lit up the world with his charm. The shop will be closed today.
‘Rest in peace, brother. Your legend will never cease; it will only gain momentum.’
Stand-up comedian Sando Ford also remembered Locke in an Instagram tribute, writing: ‘Devastating news about the passing of Mike (Pancho).
‘People might know him from the TV work, but he was so much more than that. He was clever, hilarious and loyal.
‘He and Nigel supported me from the early days of my stand-up career, encouraging people to attend the shows I ran at the Surge, the Red Lion and Afan Ales.
‘They never expected anything in return. They did it simply because they wanted to and believed in me.
‘He would even travel to open-mic nights with me just to watch me die on my backside, then laugh about it on the journey home. Sending my love to his family, Nigel and everyone at San Portablo.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
