Fair City star Tom Jordan has died aged 82.

The actor has been a Carrigstown resident since the shows inception in 1989, playing Charlie Kelly.

He is one of just two veteran actors in the show, the other being Tony Tormey who has played Paul Brennan.

In a statement, Fair City producer Brigie de Courcy said: "This is devastating news, Tom Jordan was the heart of Fair City.

"He played Charlie Kelly from the very first episode and was a huge part of our plans for the future.

"A consummate actor, and a strong advocate for his colleagues across the industry, he will remain a legend for the viewers and for everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."

In 2015, the actor spoke to the Independent on leaving his hometown of Dublin for a more peaceful, safer life in Roscommon: "I used to love Dublin city but I'm not in love with it anymore.  It's all terribly changed from when I was a young man.

"The lifestyle has changed, the manner in which people communicate is so different than in the country when you're constantly seeing your neighbours and you're talking to them, and they all know your name.

"I started to feel very threatened in the city at night time, so I just stopped going in."

The cause of death is unknown, and we share our deepest condolences with his wife and six children.