Holby City actress Laura Sadler has died in Charing Cross Hospital after falling 40 feet from the balcony of her boyfriend's west London flat.
The 22-year-old had been in intensive care since the incident in the early hours of last Sunday and died on Thursday evening.
Ms Sadler made her name playing nurse Sandy Harper in the BBC One hospital drama, a spin-off from Casualty watched by millions of people every week.
Her first TV appearance was in the children's series Grange Hill, and she has featured in Jane Eyre, Inspector Morse, Intimate Relations, the Ruth Rendell Mysteries and Belfry Witches.
Thank you for your tributes to Laura Sadler. Read a selection of your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinions we have received:
Laura was one of the best actresses I have ever had the pleasure of watching on our screens. The radiant smile of this beautiful young woman is a hope that many cannot bring. May her memory live on forever and smile always shine through. My sympathy goes out to her parents, family, boyfriend George and the cast and crew of Holby City. We were all blessed to have her on our screens but you were all very blessed to have her in your lives.
The radiant smile of this beautiful young woman is a hope that many cannot bring
It's such a shame and also a great loss to us all. Laura was an outstanding actress, who showed huge diversity in her various roles. Ever since her early days in Grange Hill it was obvious she had talent, a talent that will be greatly missed. My own personal wishes and prayers go out to Laura, her family and friends in this saddest of times. God bless!
Andrew Jones, Wrexham, North Wales
I have watched Holby City since it started and the programme will not be the same without her. My thoughts are with her parents, whose lives will not be the same without her. A very fine young actress, such a waste.
Susan Johnson, England
I was shocked and gutted when I heard the appalling news. Laura was close to my own age so I grew up watching her in Grange Hill and then in Holby City. A down to earth, unassuming yet highly talented actress and the future has been denied one of its highest quality performers. Rest in peace Laura darling, my prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
A down to earth, unassuming yet highly talented actress
What an actress who made Holby City. Laura was watched and will be missed by millions. The character of Sandy was brought to life by Laura and it's a great shame that such a young life was taken from her family and fans. I can say she will be greatly missed.
Although I never watched Holby City or Grange Hill my heart goes out to the family of a brilliant person who was taken from us so young.
When I heard the terrible news, I was gutted. As a 15 year old girl I've always looked up to Laura. I've watched her on TV since she was in Grange Hill and think she was an amazing actress. It's a shame such a talented lady had to die so young. My thoughts are with her family and friends. God Bless.
It's a shame such a talented lady had to die so young
Laura was a unique person who touched the hearts of millions. She was a talented actress and a loveable person. She will be best known for bringing the character 'Sandy Harper' to life and brightening up our television screens with her infectious smile. But although her life was cut short, her memory will continue to live on in our thoughts and in our hearts. She will be truly missed.
Stephanie Shea, England
Laura was an absolutely brilliant actress. She was a beautiful talented girl. I'm sure she touched the hearts of many. All my thoughts are with her friends and family. The one thing that caught my eye about Laura was her amazing smile. So I've got one thing to ask from you sweetheart. Keep smiling. Rest in peace and may God be with you all.
Sophie sharp, 13
God bless Laura and may she rest in peace. A light has gone out. She is a much-loved actress and she will definitely be missed. This is a real tragedy - my heart goes out to her family and friends, to whom I would like to extend my deepest sympathy. Laura was such a good actress and clearly very talented. Laura was one of my favourite actresses on TV and I am so sorry to hear about this terrible tragedy that has occurred. I will remember Laura and her family in my prayers.
My stomach churns every time I think of this terrible tragedy. My heart bleeds for her family. I lost my 19 year old brother to serious head injuries. I am praying for her family at this awful time. Laura will be deeply missed.
Sheliza Byan, UK
I'm shocked at the death of this beautiful actress. It is so hard to come to terms with. I remember seeing her in Grange Hill when I was younger and wanted to be like her! She was brilliant in Holby City which I enjoyed watching. My thoughts are with her family through this terrible time. R.I.P Laura - you were and are loved forever.
I remember seeing her in Grange Hill when I was younger and wanted to be like her!
Laura was a wonderful actress who lit up the screen with her smile and is now in heaven doing the same. I feel terrible for your loss, Laura will be missed and she will never be forgotten. A true angel that shone in everything she did and is now in heaven looking down at us with that wonderful smile of hers. I am reminded of a verse in the bible "Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm so love is as strong as death" We will never forget Laura. Rest in Peace.
Julie Marshall, UK
So very sorry for your terrible loss. She will never be forgotten. I will remember her talent, beauty and lovely smile. I said so many prayers for Laura. Good night and God bless.
Lindsay Fitzpatrick, UK
I may be only 15, and I know that I have never even met Laura, but having grown up watching her on Grange Hill and then Holby City, I was really sad to hear of her death. I know that if I am feeling this bad, her family must be feeling some 100000 times number. My thoughts are really with everyone involved.
A talented and vibrant actress, she will be greatly missed. My love and sympathy to her family.
My 12 year old granddaughter died 21st Dec 2002 from head injuries following a tragic accident; she was a talented performing arts student hoping for a career in ballet. When her machine was turned off it was like my life was over. Laura's family will be saying why Laura, like we have said why Jessica. It does not get any easier; you just live day to day. My heart goes out to you, and remember each day that passes is a day nearer to being with her again. Be strong for one another and help each other through this tragic time.
Janet Maltby, Great Britain
I know this will sound strange, possibly selfish, but after watching Holby City for over a year, I feel like I've lost a school friend - that's the sort of performance Laura gave. As her fellow casts members have said, her character in Holby was so "normal" and that's hard to do. I really felt that. But if someone who hadn't even met her, like me, feels like I've lost a friend, that cannot touch the loss her friends and family are going through. All my love goes to them.
I feel like I've lost a school friend
Tracey Ford, England
Rest in peace Laura. I will miss you loads. I watched you since Grange Hill. God will look after you and everyone will miss you. You were a great actress; love you loads.
Stacey Scott, England
I was a big Holby fan and thought Laura was a brilliant actress. She was so bubbly and happy and i will miss her a lot. Holby city wont be the same.
Fiona McParland, Luton, England
I am a huge fan of Holby City and never miss one episode I am only 15 and I admired Sandy a lot, and also Laura who played her. When I heard she was in intensive care I was extremely saddened by this and I prayed for her to not suffer my thoughts and wishes are with all her family and friends.
God bless Laura, may you rest in peace. My thoughts are with family and friends of Laura. It's a shame that her sweet smile will never brighten our TV screens again. My God help you through this difficult time. RIP Laura, you will be dearly missed.
I was so sad to hear of Laura's death. I used to watch her in Grange Hill and The Belfry Witches and she was my favourite on Holby City. She seemed such a bubbly and lovely person - her death has come as a big shock. I feel so sorry for her friends and family - I know that she will be sorely missed. I was sure that she would recover - I was unbelievably upset to hear the bad news. I can only send my love to those close to her.
She seemed such a bubbly and lovely person - her death has come as a big shock
I was very upset to hear about Laura as she made Holby City stand out. She brought the role of Sandy to life covering every storyline possible. I hope the producers of Holby City carry on making such a wonderful programme. I would like to send my condolences to her family and say that she will always be watching over everyone.
The loss of Laura is tragic and such a waste. Watching her in Holby I always got the feeling she would like her character in real life. Very soft, gentle and loving. My heart goes out to her family. I will miss watching her, and send the love of my family to Laura's. God Bless and may the Angels look after Laura as her mum would have.
Jane Stachini, England
I am saddened to hear of the death of Laura, she was a gifted human being and I will miss seeing her warm smile on our TV screens. Heaven has a new angel, earth is missing a treasure. My deepest sympathies are with her family and friends.
As a massive Holby fan, I think she was my favourite actress. So young with so much more to give, it doesn't seem fair. My thoughts are with her family. The show will not be the same again!
Laura's family I'm so sorry for your terrible loss. My brother suffered serious head injuries at 22 and I had hoped that Laura would make the same progress my brother made. Though it was not to be you should be proud of your daughter and the way she touched so many people. It probably doesn't help now but I hope in the future you'll be able to draw strength from this. God bless.
My brother suffered serious head injuries at 22 and I had hoped that Laura would make the same progress my brother made
I used to watch Laura Sadler in Holby and always thought what a 'dizzy' girl she was! She was also compassionate - I can remember when she came to support a ball given in aid of my son's special need's school, and when we spoke briefly, she came across as full of life yet aware that some are not so fortunate. She will, I am sure, be greatly missed.
Ellie Devine, UK
I was really saddened to hear of Laura's death. She was such a breath of fresh air and seemed such a lovely young woman who was full of fun. Deepest sympathy to her family and fellow cast members.
I watched for the latest news on her condition hoping and praying for her; she will be sadly missed by everyone that watches the show. She was a credit to the show and always made me smile with her bubbly sense of humour that shone through on screen god bless and my deepest sympathies to her family she will be sadly missed and the show wont be the same without her.
I thought she was a brilliant actress I always felt 'Sandy's' emotions made real by Laura's acting. My sympathy goes to her family and friends. Don't morn her death but celebrate her life.
Nicola Kelly, England
What an absolute shame that this had to happen. Laura was very sexy and a lovely person. I still remember watching her in the episode last week when said to that new bloke she'd burnt her house down! A cheeky and very addictive character she certainly was. God rest her sole and all thoughts with her family.
A cheeky and very addictive character she certainly was
Steve Taylor, Bucks, UK
Her role was truth to life. I will miss her in the series. My deepest sympathies to her family.
All our hearts go out to Laura's family, friends and co-stars. She was a fantastic actress, really believable and lovable! She was the brightest star on Holby and will leave a very big gap that will never be filled. Goodnight and God bless Laura.
I will miss seeing her sparkling smile and personality on the screen. Her story to the top inspired me and I am terribly sorry for her family, friends and boyfriend's loss. I feel very sad at this time so I cannot imagine her family's grief. The nation shares your sadness. xxx
A purely wonderful person watch onscreen, will be missed.
She sparkled with energy in all she did. It's a great tragedy.
To Laura's family: Can words ever portray the grief and compassion needed when you have lost someone you love so much? May God help you through this difficult time.
May God help you through this difficult time
I'm a big Holby fan and was saddened to hear of Laura's passing. She was a talented actress with a promising and successful career ahead of her. Deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
What a terrible loss this is, my heart goes out to her family.
Holby will never seam the same without Laura, condolences to her family and friends.
I was saddened by the news of Laura Sadler's death. She was a wonderful actress and a great part of the Holby City cast. My sympathies to her family.
Kerstin, Toronto, Canada
My prayers are with her family after what is such a tragic loss. She was a talented and beautiful girl. She will be sadly missed by those who were sure she would go far. I shall always remember her for her sunny smile.
She was a talented and beautiful girl
What a sad loss. Laura will be missed by her family, friends and fans. Sandy had a brilliant personality, and so did Laura.
I'm very upset about the tragedy that has happened. I will always remember her role in Grange Hill as Judi Jeffreys. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues.
My sincere condolences go to Laura's family and all her friends.
She was a naturally gifted actress, with a lot to give to entertainment - it is a terrible tragedy and she will be missed by people who never knew her personally!!
She was such a lovely actress, the type of person you wanted to hug. Such a sad loss, she will be missed by many viewers. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Such a sad loss, she will be missed by many viewers
Holby City will never be quite the same. Her character was quite unique - she seemed to be so natural - she made Sandy Harper seem so real.
Sue Miller, United Kingdom
I feel so sad for the tragic loss of such a talented person. I love Holby City and watch it religiously every week. Laura was such a brilliant actress and really won the hearts of thousands of viewers. My heart goes out to her family, friends and colleagues alike. I know she will be deeply missed.
Our hearts go out to her parents. Our son died suddenly last year, so we have some idea of what they are going through. There is no short-cut through grief, but there is hope.
There is no short-cut through grief
Roger & Mary Jones, UK
I shall miss that sweet and intelligent smile on our scenes. Thanks for the character Nurse Sandy Harper.
To my family, Laura will always be Judi Jeffreys from Grange Hill, and for this young life to be lost in the same manner as, to us, her most famous character is bizarre, cruel and inexplicable. Laura had a rare talent for portraying 'ordinary' girls and young women without pretence, and she will be sorely missed in my household.
Dale Rumbold, England
I was starting out trying to get into acting last year and as I had always admired Laura I wrote to her, just asking for tips on finding my way in amateur dramatics. I didn't expect her to reply, but she did, with a wonderful and gratefully received letter. It's such a shame that someone so talented and clearly so kind-hearted died so young.
It was only two weeks ago that I told my girlfriend - watching Holby every week again - that in fact Laura Sadler was perhaps the best actress of the whole lot. To my surprise my girlfriend happened to agree - this almost never happens! Even from this side of the North Sea , I feel obliged to wish all her friends, family and people that genuinely love her, a warm glow in their hearts after this tragedy sunk in.
Pascal Van Winsbergh, Belgium
Sad is the fact she was only 22 and had her whole life ahead of her, sadder still is Laura was clearly destined to be one of the country's top acting talents. Thoughts and prayers to her family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time.
Craig Evry, England
Devastated, absolutely devastated. What a fantastic actress, she was such an integral part of Holby City that it will not be the same without her.
Will miss the natural acting of one of the finest young actresses on our screens. What a sad waste of a young life. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and colleagues.
What a terrible shame. Her character Sandy brought an "aaahh" factor to Holby City (I always felt that she needed a cuddle) and she will be sorely missed. My condolences to her family and friends.
I always felt that she needed a cuddle
I remember Laura starring in Grange Hill when I was growing up. She was such a fantastic actress who seemed to always perform well on stage. Deepest sympathy goes out to her family.
I first saw her play alongside that other brilliant actress, Julie Walters, in the film Intimate Relations some years back and thought she was outstanding. I have since followed her in Holby City and thought the way she played Sandy was always convincing and natural - she was particularly good at putting across the character's vulnerability. My thoughts are with her mother, and also her father too.
Rest in peace. xx
In her short life Laura touched the lives of millions, and I will always cherish her passion, vitality and dazzling smile.
Pete, Liverpool, UK
I'm so sad that Laura has died as she was a very good actress and had a long career ahead of her. I will miss her face on Holby City - she will be sadly missed.
I used to watch you in Grange Hill. You were the perfect actress, you will always be remembered. You're an angel and now you are up with the angels. R.I.P xxx
You were the perfect actress
Our prayers and thoughts are with Laura's family, she will be sadly missed by all her fans.
Anne & Duncan, Scotland
I feel very sad about the tragic death of Laura Sadler. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
S. Wales, UK
May you rest in peace and you were a delight to watch every week. Thinking of you and your family.
Allyson Tait, Scotland
Laura was a fine young actress, ever since I saw her in Anchor Me, I knew her future was going to be big. I'm going to treasure the letter she wrote me, her and her family are in my thoughts at this very sad time. However many people can draw inspiration from such a talented person, and Laura will be sadly missed by all who knew what she was capable of.
I'm going to treasure the letter she wrote me
I must admit I was not familiar with the characters played by Laura Sadler until her untimely accident.
However it is always a tragedy when someone who at 22 is so talented and is just starting out in life, dies in such a way.
The reasons surrounding Ms Sadler's death will, I fear, never be truly known. One can only hope that in her unconsciousness she appeared not to have suffered and that this is some comfort to her immediate family.
Phil Caldwell, England, UK
Terribly saddened that a lovely young life has been lost.
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Laura Sadler. My prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues (cast and crew) at Holby City. She was a true star and will be truly missed. Laura you will always be remembered for your true talent... but not forgotten. R.I.P Laura. XXXXXXXXXX
Louise, Manchester, UK
Such a sweetie - I can't believe this tragic news. She will always be remembered by us - her loyal viewers.
I don't know how it must feel to lose someone you love so dearly, and for us viewers to lose a lovely person who brightened up our TV viewings for an hour a week, it really is hard to come to terms with this.
Tonbridge, Kent, United Kingdom.