Former Crossroads star Ronald Allen has lost his fight against cancer - three months after marrying his screen wife and long-time lover Sue Lloyd.  Allen, 56, who played motel manager David Hunter for 14 years, died in an ambulance after collapsing at his London home on Tuesday.  Sue, 50, was at his side.

Last night friends said she was devastated.  The couple, who had lived together for 11 years, wed in secret when Ronnie was diagnosed as having lung cancer.  He said at the time: "I'm determined to beat this damned thing.  I don't want to die.  I love life, the feel of it, the smell of it..."

Ronnie was known in showbiz circles as 'King of TV Soaps.'  Before joining Crossroads, he starred in Compact and United.  Then after Central TV controversially axed him and Sue in 1985, he landed a role in a Hollywood soap with Emma Samms.

He shrugged off critics who dismissed Crossroads as a joke and described his acting as 'wooden.'  "They don't bother me.  I love soap operas and think they perform an important function for those who enjoy them."

Among the tributes pouring in yesterday was one from former Crossroads co-star Jane Rossington, who played Jill.  She said:  "It is so sad.  Ronnie was even more charming off screen than he was on.  He was a quiet person and a perfect gentleman."

Former sex symbol Fiona Richmond, who starred with Ronnie in Eat the Rich, added:  "He was a total professional.  When others complained he just got on with the job.  Nothing ruffled him."

His last stage appearance was at a London pub when he appeared with former Eastenders star Anita Dobson in Tom Stoppard's play Rough Crossing.  Anita said:  "He was delightful.  I am proud to have known him."