FORMER stars of Hollyoaks have paid tribute to one of the soap's cameramen who sadly passed away.

Some of the soap's alumni had some kind words for their ex co-worker, who died after the soap was shut down due to the coronavirus.

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7 Felix Schroer was a former cameraman on the show Credit: Refer to Caption

The soap's cameraman Felix Schroer died after fearing he had coronavirus, his sister has revealed.

The soap's Director of Photography died on Friday just days after self-isolating.

Felix's sister Sylvia wrote on Twitter how he had been ill for two months before his death with symptoms that lead him to believe he had the virus.

She wrote: "I lost my brother on Friday. He had cough/runny nose for 2 months.

7 Bronagh Waugh was on Hollyoaks from 2009-2013 Credit: Amit Lennon - Fabulous

7 Bronagh starred as Cheryl Brady on Hollyoaks Credit: Handout

Sylvia said she would wait for the coroner's report before speculating further and paid tribute to her "strong and stoic" sibling.

Former Hollyoaks stars such as Bronagh Waugh took to Twitter to speak about Felix.

She said: "Utterly heartbreaking news about our kind & utterly lovely @hollyoaks DOP Felix Schroer.

7 Chris Fountain starred in the Channel 4 soap from 2003-2009 Credit: ITV

"Felix was my neighbour on Lark Lane at the beginning of my Hollyoaks journey & I enjoyed our pub sojourns & time on set so much. He taught me so much.

"He was so kind. He lit us all so beautifully. He knew when one of us was struggling.

The Irishwoman, who played Cheryl Brady on the soap, added: "He taught me so Much about working on a television set. He was always quietly working away & I loved to watch him & learn how I could be better.

7 Chris played Justin Burton in Hollyoaks

7 The Hollyoaks set is empty as it has closed following the coronavirus pandemic Credit: Splash News

"We'll miss you Felix. Thank you for all the wonderful memories & craic together on & off set.

"My deepest condolences to your Family whom I know you Loved so much. My heart is with you & my @Hollyoaks cast & crew Family today..."

Chris Fountain, who appeared ion Hollyoaks from 2003-2009, tweeted: "Incredibly sad to learn of the passing of Felix Schroer, a DOP with whom I worked worked with over my entire Hollyoaks Career, rest in peace big man, sending loads of love to your family and all your friends at line pictures Disappointed face Rest in Peace. Xxx"

A spokesperson for Hollyoaks told Metro.co.uk: "Hollyoaks has lost a long-standing friend and colleague, Director of Photography Felix Schroer, who died unexpectedly on Friday. We are supporting his family at this difficult time."

TV writer and director Debbie Howard posted: "Very sad to hear about #FelixSchroer passing away. I met Felix at Hollyoaks a while ago, he was the #DOP. He was such a lovely man. Sending condolences and love to his family."

All the symptoms of coronavirus

Hollyoaks have confirmed plans to halt production from this morning amid the mounting Coronavirus crisis.

The decision was announced by show bosses at production company Lime Pictures - and came after the death of a senior production staffer, though his cause of death remains unconfirmed.

A spokeswoman for Hollyoaks said: “After careful consideration Lime Pictures has decided to temporarily suspend recording Hollyoaks from Monday 23rd March.

“It is a decision that has not been taken lightly but looking after our cast and crew is our number one priority.”

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Health officials say the most common symptoms of coronavirus infection usually include a dry cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath.

Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea - but these are usually mild and begin gradually.

And more recently, The British Association of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT UK) said loss of smell or taste could also be a sign that you have contracted coronavirus.

88 more people have died in the UK today, taking the death toll up to 422.