Mike “Pancho” Locke Obituary: Dirty Sanchez Star and Welsh Stunt Performer Dies at 47

Mike “Pancho” Locke, the Welsh stunt performer and Dirty Sanchez star, has died aged 47. Tributes from his family, friends and television colleagues celebrate his life and legacy.

Mike Locke’s Death Announced by Family and San Portablo

The death of Mike Locke, widely known as Pancho, was announced on November 6, 2026, through a tribute shared by San Portablo and the Locke family. The statement identified him as Michael Richard Locke and remembered him as a father, son, brother, uncle, friend, skateboarder and stunt performer.

The tribute described him as an “absolute Welsh treasure” and praised the warmth and charm he brought to the people around him. The announcement also said that the San Portablo shop would close for the day in his memory.

Locke was 47. He was also reported to have been a father of two, although the family announcement did not provide further details about his children.

Remembering His Years on MTV’s Dirty Sanchez

Locke became widely recognised through Dirty Sanchez, the MTV stunt and prank series that brought together Matthew Pritchard, Lee Dainton, Dan Joyce and Locke. The programme gained a following for its extreme challenges and outrageous stunts, becoming one of the best-known British reality television productions of its era.

He also appeared alongside Pritchard as one of the Pain Men on Channel 4’s Balls of Steel. His work in television reflected his earlier interests in skateboarding and stunt performance.

His Connection to Port Talbot and San Portablo

Beyond television, Locke maintained a strong connection to South Wales and became involved with San Portablo, a clothing brand associated with Port Talbot and local culture. He worked alongside his friend Nigel Hunt, the brand’s founder.

In an interview with WalesOnline earlier in 2026, Locke spoke about the importance of celebrating Port Talbot and showing a different side of the town. He also expressed sympathy for steelworkers affected by difficulties in the industry while highlighting the community’s cultural identity and optimism.

His contribution to San Portablo offered another dimension to his public life, beyond the television persona that first brought him recognition.

Friends and Colleagues Pay Tribute

Tributes also came from people who knew Locke personally. Comedian Sando Ford remembered him as clever, funny and loyal, describing how Locke and Nigel Hunt had supported his early stand-up performances.

His former Dirty Sanchez colleague Matthew Pritchard also paid tribute, describing Locke as a friend of more than 30 years and expressing his grief at the news.

For fans, Locke will remain associated with the irreverent energy of Dirty Sanchez. For people in Port Talbot, his involvement with San Portablo and his connection to the town formed another important part of his legacy.

Obituary: Mike Locke, known professionally as Pancho, was a Welsh television personality, skateboarder and stunt performer. He was 47.

Cause of Death: His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed in the reports reviewed.

Funeral Arrangements: No confirmed funeral or memorial arrangements have been announced in the available reports.

Disclaimer

This article draws on the family and San Portablo tribute and published reporting about Locke’s television career and community involvement. His death and age have been reported by multiple news outlets. However, the specific cause and circumstances of his death have not been publicly established. No medical explanation or further details should be assumed without confirmation from his family or an authoritative source.