Saved by the Bell fans have reacted with devastation after it emerged that Dustin Diamond is battling stage four cancer.
The actor who played popular nerd Samuel "Screech" Powers is just 44-years old.
The actor's team confirmed the news on Thursday via his Facebook page writing: "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."
The star remains in hospital and is currently undergoing his first round of chemotherapy.
The statement included an address where fans can mail cards and well-wishes.
However Diamond's team have told fans not to send autograph requests as "that isn't what the address is for."
The rep added: "He [Dustin] is going for testing. He hasn’t been feeling well. He's at an undisclosed hospital in Florida. We are hoping for a speedy recovery."
Diamond's rep added to TMZ that the actor is undergoing his first round of chemotherapy to combat the disease. He added that The Wonder Years star is also in pain from shingles.
Meanwhile his close friend Dan Block told The Sun that he had a "huge lump" on his neck but had put off going to the hospital.
"Dustin has cancer - we don't know what type or how advanced - we'll find out tomorrow. Right now we don't know how bad it is or where it has spread."
"It started off as a tumor on his neck - a huge lump on his throat - and it was very visible. He was afraid of someone taking pictures of it and posting it online."
Reps for Diamond had said on Tuesday that they believed the problem could be related to cancer.
"We'll have a better answer after all the tests are done," Diamond's team said to Yahoo Entertainment. "But they are doing a ton of tests on him. We're just hoping for a speedy recovery."
After Dustin's diagnosis went public, heartbroken fans took to social media to voice their love and prayers.
"Get well Dustin. It's not a death sentence. I know someone who had stage 4 cancer, beat it, and is not 11 years cancer free and healthy," one positive fan wrote.
"Man I’m so sorry to hear that He made Saved by the Bell a great show!" another added.
"Soooo basically 2020 part 2! Wtf man!" a third chimed in.
"Very sad news. If the cast try to cosy up and make gushing statements about him now i'll be disgusted," a shady comment read.