Tribute were paid in Sussex today to Holby City actress Laura Sadler, who died five days after she plunged 40ft from a balcony.

Ms Sadler, who played staff nurse Sandy Harper in the BBC1 drama, suffered head injuries when she fell from the London apartment of her boyfriend and co-star George Calil early on Sunday.

She was taken to the intensive care unit at Charing Cross Hospital in west London on Sunday, where her mother Sonya kept a constant bedside vigil.

Last night a hospital spokesman confirmed the actress had died at 5.30pm, her family at her bedside.

Geoffrey Sadler, Laura's father, of Wooldridge Walk, Climping, near Littlehampton, was himself in hospital when he first heard of the tragedy and was unable to go to her bedside.

However, Mr Sadler did manage to visit Laura before she died.

Doctors at Charing Cross Hospital, London, battled to save the young star for four days before turning off her life support machine.

Crushed by the loss, Mr Sadler, who had recently married his second wife Sheryll Desborough, did not wish to talk of the tragedy.

However, in a statement left pinned to a window frame at his home, he said: "I am absolutely devastated that Laura has tragically passed away at such a young age and in such circumstances. I have wonderful memories of Laura which I will always treasure."

His statement added: "I am grateful to all my family and friends for their support during this difficult and emotional time.

"For the sake of all concerned I would asked that we are now left in peace to come to terms with this terrible tragedy."

Sadler's boyfriend, who played her drug-dealing boyfriend Sean Hunt in Holby City, was arrested and questioned about the incident on Sunday and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

He said he was "absolutely devastated" after the tragedy at his apartment in Holland Park, West London, and described Sadler as "the love of my life".

"I am so incredibly upset over this - I just cannot believe what has happened," he said in a statement.

"I have cooperated with the police fully in their investigation, which continues," said Mr Calil. For this reason, I cannot at the moment talk specifically about the events of Sunday morning."

The 30-year-old's agent said Calil, who also starred in BBC1's Band Of Brothers, was today still "in pieces" over what had happened.

On Tuesday night an episode of Holby City starring Sadler was shown with permission from her family.

Before it was shown, the BBC paid tribute to the actress.

It was led by Controller of BBC1 Lorraine Heggessey who described her as a "sweet, modest, hard-working girl".

She said: "I'm devastated that we have lost such a talented young actress.

"When I first met Laura on Grange Hill it was clear she had enormous potential. She will be much missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time."

Controller of BBC Drama Series Mal Young said: "Everyone at Holby City, and indeed, across the BBC, is devastated by this news.

"Laura was a much loved, talented and respected actress. She brought so much to the role with her infectious enthusiasm, dedication and 100 per cent professionalism.

"Television has lost a talent who had so much more to give. We, and her many fans, will miss her greatly.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family. I would ask that they be given as much privacy and space as possible, at this difficult time."

Sadler's agent, Michele Milburn, said: "It is difficult to express how great a loss this is for Laura's family and friends.

"She was loved by everyone, for her kindness and generosity of spirit.

"She had a unique talent, and I am certain was only at the start of what would have been a brilliant career.

"However, her greatest gift was her ability to bring out the best in all who were lucky enough to know her.

"We will all miss her greatly. I would ask that her family's privacy is respected, and that they are now left alone to grieve in peace."

Sadler's death comes fours years after she played character Judi Jeffreys in children's series Grange Hill, who died after falling from a window.

Sadler began taking dance classes at the age of three and by the time she was nine she had already starred in an episode of the popular detective programme Inspector Morse.

She attended the famous Sylvia Young Theatre School in north London and also appeared on TV in Jane Eyre, the Ruth Rendell Mysteries and Belfry Witches.