Actor Gino Vella, known for his role in the popular Maltese television series Klassi Ghalina, has passed away, the production team behind the series announced on Monday.

Vella played the role of Wenzu the barman in the television series, which follows the trials and tribulations of a rowdy Maltese classroom.

Vella reprised the role for the first two seasons of the show.

“We always remember him on set as being a cheerful and exemplary character,” the production team said as it offered its condolences to his family and friends.

Fellow actor Marco Grech, who played the role of Giacondo in the same series, was amongst the many who took to social media to offer their condolences: “You have left us speechless my friend Gino. Thank you for how much you made us laugh on set.  Always in our hearts,” he wrote.