Screech from Saved By The Bell actor Dustin Diamond has been diagnosed with cancer

From Cosmopolitan

Actor Dustin Diamond, who is best known for playing lovable nerd Samuel 'Screech' Powers in hit American sitcom Saved By The Bell, has sadly been diagnosed with cancer. His team confirmed the news through a post on Facebook late last night (UK time) and asked fans to send "positivity and prayers" during this difficult time.

They added that more information would be shared at a later stage and TMZ are reporting that a rep for the actor has said Diamond first realised something was amiss after noticing a lump in his throat.

In full, the Facebook statement announcing the news reads: "Official Statement from Team Dustin:At this time we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer. Dustin will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made. If you would like to send a card or letter you can send it to Insurance King, C/O Dustin Diamond, 127 N. Alpine Rd Rockford, Il 61107.

"You can also send emails, if needed, to: PinkDaisyEntertainment@gmail.com as well and will print them off and send them to him. We ask at this time no autograph requests be sent to this address as that isn’t what it’s for. We ask everyone to respect Dustin’s privacy during this difficult time. All positivity and prayers are appreciated."

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Since the news was made public, several of Diamond's former co-stars have reacted on social media and sent him well wishes. Mario Lopez, who played jock AC Slater on the show, shared two side-by-side images of himself and Diamond (one from their time on the series together and a more recent one) on Instagram. He told followers that he'd reached out to Diamond and that they're remaining positive for his future health.

"I connected with Dustin earlier this evening and although the news of his diagnosis is heartbreaking, we remain positive that he’ll overcome this," wrote Lopez. "Praying for him & his family and for a speedy recovery. God Bless."

Tiffani Thiessen, who starred as Kelly Kapowski, also posted on Instagram. She shared a picture of Diamond on her Stories along with the caption 'Thinking of you Dustin'.

We're sending our best wishes to Diamond and his loved ones during this difficult time.

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