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Saved by the Bell's Dustin Diamond battles stage-four cancer

Actor Dustin Diamond has been diagnosed with stage four cancer days after he was rushed to hospital following an unexpected collapse.

The Saved by the Bell star’s team confirmed the news on Friday, after initially hinting that the disease could have been to blame for the star’s sudden ill-health.

Dustin Diamond cancer
Saved By the Bell star Dustin Diamond has been diagnosed with stage four cancer. Photo: NBC

“At this time we can confirm that Dustin does have cancer,” a message on Dustin’s official Facebook account reads. “Dustin will disclose more information once it is available and a plan moving forward is made.”

“We ask everyone to respect Dustin’s privacy during this difficult time,” the post concludes. “All positivity and prayers are appreciated.”

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The actor’s reps later confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the actor received a stage four cancer diagnosis, though what kind of cancer has not yet been disclosed.

'Saved by the Bell' star Dustin Diamond diagnosed with cancer.
Reps for the actor confirmed he is undergoing treatment. Photo: Getty Images

They said the former child actor has already begun chemotherapy and is taking the disease very seriously.

“He’s undergoing chemo so he will be there at least another week and then we will figure out when he gets to come home,” a spokesperson told the publication. “By next week, we'll have a much better understanding of the severity of his condition and what treatments he will need so that he’s comfortable.”

The former star sought medical care on Thursday after reportedly experiencing pain all over the body and a general feeling of ‘unease’.

Saved by the Bell original cast Dustin Diamond diagnosed with cancer
Dustin bought Screech to life for almost 13 years on various iterations of the hit series. Photo: Getty Images

The 44-year-old is best known for playing the loveable Samuel "Screech" Powers on the 90’s hit comedy series Saved By the Bell.

Dustin bought the character to life for almost 13 years, cementing himself in 90’s pop culture from the tender age of 11.

Initially, he played the role in Good Morning, Miss Bliss in 1988, finishing up on Saved By the Bell between 1994-2000.

Though co-stars including Mario Lopez, Tori Spelling, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Elizabeth Burkley went on to celebrated careers, it wasn’t smooth sailing for Duston after the show wrapped.

He was famously embroiled in a sex tape scandal in 2006 in which he released a sex tape that he initially claimed he had starred in, however, he later admitted to Oprah it was a stunt double, and not him in the film.

He was a notable absence from the show’s reboot last year after he released a ‘tell-all’ memoir of his time on the show called Behind the Bell back in 2009 that painted co-stars and production in a less than flattering light.

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