Mike Locke, the Welsh stuntman popularly known as Pancho on MTV’s Dirty Sanchez, has died aged 47.
Locke rose to fame through the controversial stunt and prank series, which earned a reputation as the UK’s version of Jackass.
He featured alongside Matthew Pritchard, Lee Dainton and Dan Joyce, becoming one of the recognisable faces of the programme.
Stunt Show Gained Popularity After 2003 Launch
Locke was among the personalities who helped launch Dirty Sanchez in 2003.
The programme ran for four seasons, with filming taking place in Newport, Wales, and other locations across the UK.
The series became known for its extreme stunts, in which members of the group subjected themselves and one another to painful and dangerous challenges.
Its popularity led to two MTV spin-off programmes, a feature film and a stage production.
Locke and Pritchard also appeared together as the ‘Pain Men’ on Channel 4’s comedy stunt programme Balls of Steel.
Locke Built Clothing Brand After Television Career
Away from television, Locke established himself in the fashion business through San Portablo, a clothing brand he founded with his friend Nigel Hunt.
The business initially operated from a stall at Aberavon Shopping Centre before expanding to a permanent shop at the centre and another outlet at the airport.
News of his death was announced through the brand’s Instagram account, where his family and colleagues described him as a Welsh treasure who had lived an incredible life.
Family Pays Emotional Tribute to Pancho
In a joint statement, the Locke family and San Portablo announced his death, remembering him as a father, son, brother, uncle, friend, skateboarder and stuntman.
The tribute read:
“It is with profound sadness that San Portablo and the Locke family write of the passing of the father, son, brother, uncle, friend, skater, stuntman and all round goodfella Micheal Richard Locke.”
They added that he was affectionately known as Pancho and described him as an “absolute Welsh Treasure” and the “San Portablo King”.
The family said his brilliance would continue to shine across the world, adding that he had lived an incredible life and touched people with his charm.
The statement also announced that the San Portablo shop would remain closed for the day in his memory.
Concluding their tribute, they wrote: “Rest In Peace brother, your legend will never cease, it will only gain momentum.”
Comedian Sando Ford Remembers Locke’s Support
Stand-up comedian Sando Ford also shared a tribute following the news, describing Locke’s death as devastating.
Ford said that although many people knew Locke through his television appearances, he was much more than a stunt performer.
He remembered him as a clever, hilarious and loyal friend who, alongside Nigel Hunt, supported his comedy career from its early days.
According to Ford, the pair regularly encouraged people to attend his early performances at venues including the Surge, the Red Lion and Afan Ales.
He said their support came without expectations of anything in return, adding that Locke would sometimes accompany him to open-mic performances simply to watch him perform and laugh with him afterwards.
Ford concluded his message by sending his condolences to Locke’s family, Hunt and everyone associated with San Portablo.
