MTV Dirty Sanchez star Michael ‘Pancho’ Locke dies aged 47

Tributes have been paid to Michael Locke, star of MTV stunt and prank series Dirty Sanchez, who has died aged 47.

Locke, from Port Talbot, known as ‘Pancho’, starred in the show and later went on to launch the Welsh clothing brand San Portablo.

His Dirty Sanchez co-star Mathew Pritchard said Locke “was the best” and he would “never forget him”.

San Portablo, co-owned by Locke, said the TV star was an “absolute Welsh treasure” who “lived an incredible life”.

Its post read: “An absolute Welsh treasure and San Portablo King.

“His brilliance we are sure will still shine through far wide high low and across the seven seas.

“He lived an incredible life and lit up the world with his charm.

“Rest in peace brother, your legend will never cease. It will only gain momentum.”

In a video Pritchard, from Cardiff, said he was currently climbing Mount Everest in the Himalayas and would dedicate his journey to its base camp to Locke.

“I’m still a little bit in shock,” he said.

“My little friend of more than 35 years has left the building.

“We’ve had some amazing laughs together over the years. I’ve known him since he was about 14 years old.

“Of course the Sanchez years, travelled all over the world with him, been in some classic messes with him in the past partying. Now he’s gone but I’ll never forget him.”

Fellow Dirty Sanchez star Lee Dainton, writing on social media, said: “When you grow up skating with your friends you’re in your own little world.

“You never think about losing anyone from it. In your head those days and the people you shared them with live forever.

“Since hearing the news all those memories have been flooding back.

“I can see Panch, hear the laughter and remember all the best times like it was yesterday. Then it hits me that he’s gone and I still can’t believe it.”

Locke, Pritchard, Dainton and Dan Joyce starred in the cult classic show which ran from 2003 to 2007 on MTV, airing in 64 countries with more than 400 million viewers.

The UK’s equivalent to American stunt film series Jackass, Dirty Sanchez started out in Newport and saw the group travel all over the world performing unhinged stunts.

Locke later became co-owner of streetwear brand San Portablo, set up in Port Talbot in 2016 by former Tata steelworker Nigel Hunt.

Locke moved back to Port Talbot in 2018 and was involved in running the brand and its shop in the town.

Hunt described Locke as “a tonic” and “a good man”.

“He had an incredible life, his presence was immense. He lit up rooms for 47 years and he will be really missed,” he said.

“He was just himself, humble to the end, loved his family.”