Tributes are being paid to popular Game of Thrones extra, Andrew Dunbar, following his sudden death in his Belfast home on Christmas Eve.

A native of Portrush, his funeral will take place on Monday at Ballywillan Presbyterian Church in the town at 2pm.

Andrew passed away at home in Martinez Avenue, in East Belfast on December 24.

He is described as the dearly loved son of Edna and the late Roy, loving brother of David and Alan and a much loved brother-in-law, uncle, nephew and cousin.

An artist, actor and DJ, Andrew who was in his 30s, was renowned on the set of the hit HBO Game of Thrones show and off set too, and he was hired repeatedly as an extra in other hit shows including Line of Duty.

Actor and friend Andy McClay, said: “Everyone always wanted Andrew. There was just something about him that was special. People always felt good around him, happy, excited for the day’s work and there was always a lot of fun when he was around.

“I’d say most of us felt the same when we came on set, we wanted Andrew to be there, we’d search him out. He was like a gel that kept us all together.

"A lot of people plan to travel to attend his funeral; actors, directors, make-up and many, many more. Everyone who met Andrew loved him.

“He did a lot of different things, including working as a Game of Thrones tour guide which he was brilliant at. He could have made it as a professional actor but he really wanted to do his art and DJ.

“The acting was special to him but it was mostly for fun and although he’d a lot of talent, when people told him to go professional, he just laughed and said he was happy as he was.

“His DJ sets were amazing and when he did one set for Game of Thrones, he ended up doing them all for the end of season parties.

“I always thought Andrew lived in the moment and he always looked out for everyone else, including me. After a challenging day or crappy weather, or difficult times, he’d make you stop and talk it out.

“So when I heard he’d died suddenly on Christmas Eve, it just broke me. I’ll never make any sense of it. He was a true person, a talent, kind and decent man and he had a full and good heart.

“I’ve cried and cried since I heard - my friend is gone and my heart is broken.”

(Image: Helen Sloan, Principle Stills Photographer for Game of Thrones)

Pamela Smyth, Head of Crowd Makeup Game of Thrones, said: “Even among the thousands of extras that came through the crowd room on Thrones - Andrew always stood out.

“Always professional and mannerly with a big broad beaming smile. A beautiful soul - he will be missed by all the GOT family.”

Helen Sloan, Principle Stills Photographer for Game of Thrones, said: “Yesterday morning we heard the awful news that we lost one of our Thrones Family. Andrew Dunbar was an absolute gem. Funny, charming, beautiful - and that impression of Miguel will never be beaten.

“When we were setting up to shoot the season 8 campaign - a stand-in was required. Knowing exactly who I wanted - the hunt for Andy began.

“They told me he had just left and I ran out to the car park after him and asked if he would be up for it.

“He said he was heading out that night - but said he wanted to do anything to help. He came back in and got back into costume just for me.

“Even though he knew I couldn't give him the photos after. Well f*** it. I’m breaking the rules of publication now. These photos need to be seen and shared among friends. Because he looks like a total legend. An excellent addition to Thrones all the way through. A beautiful performer - and great guy to have around.

“Andy - an absolute dote. The last time I saw him was at [our friend’s] funeral. And we shared a warm but silent hug. Wish we could have chatted more.”

(Image: Helen Sloan, Principle Stills Photographer for Game of Thrones)

Make-up artist on the show, Katrina Doran, said: “I first met Andrew when we were filming the epic Battle of the Bastards at Saintfield for season 6 - he was a Northern Ally on John Snow’s side of the battle.

“Always with a big smile and was super professional and polite. He was an extra on nearly every job I’ve worked on - season 6, 7 and 8 on GOT, The Frankenstein Chronicles 2 and on Krypton series 2 so over the years the makeup team got to know him really well.

“He was one my favourite extras to get in the chair as we had some serious philosophical debates as well as just daft conversations that ended in fits of laughter. He was a real gem. To say we will all miss him is an understatement.”

A spokesperson for The Extras Dept, said: “To say we are shocked and saddened at the passing of Andrew Dunbar is an understatement.

“We have so many fond memories of the years Andrew worked with us.

“He was so versatile we could cast him in anything, he was such a talented performer he would always end up being featured, and he was so adored that he was always requested by productions again and again.

“He’ll be remembered in his roles as a Stark and Theon Greyjoy’s Double on Game of Thrones, a corrupt police officer on Line of Duty, the poor fella cornered by Colum on Derry Girls, and a Rebel on Krypton to name a few. But most of all he’ll be remembered by his kind soul and infectious personality. Thank you for all you did for us Andrew. We will miss you dearly.”

Game of Thrones extra Jesse Morris, posted: “RIP to a great guy I had the immense pleasure of working with on Game of Thrones. A true gent who will be missed.”

Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.

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