Dustin Diamond has died at the age of 44 just weeks after learning that he had cancer, it has been reported.

The star, known for playing Samuel 'Screech' Powers in Saved By The Bell for over a decade, was admitted to hospital in early January complaining of complete body pain.

Subsequent tests revealed that he had stage four lung cancer - and earlier today, his close friend Dan Block confirmed that his diagnosis was terminal.

According to TMZ, Diamond's condition had "greatly declined" in the last week and he died early on Monday.

The publication says that Diamond had been taken off breathing support as he was being moved into hospice care and died with his girlfriend at his side.

After the original run of Saved By The Bell ended, Diamond appeared in numerous reality shows - including Celebrity Big Brother in the UK - and also tried his hand at stand-up comedy.