Tributes are pouring in following the death of BBC actor Finnian Garbutt, who was best known for playing PC Ryan Power in Hope Street. The 28-year-old star was diagnosed with stage three skin cancer, which had sadly spread to his neck before his passing.

His family, heartbroken, said in a statement today: "He passed peacefully at home, as he wished, surrounded by his family. at home, as he wished, surrounded by his family. We want to thank everyone for their support, their kind words, and for being with us during this really difficult time. And thank you also to everyone who donated to our GoFundMe page. The peace of mind you all gave Finn during his last days made his passing so much easier to bear."

They added: "He passed peacefully at home, as he wished, surrounded by his family. We want to thank everyone for their support, their kind words, and for being with us during this really difficult time.

"We will always love and miss you, Finn. You were the greatest husband, father, son, brother, and friend we could ever ask for, and knowing that you’re no longer in pain gives us all comfort, despite our own immense pain at losing you.

"We will soon be announcing details of his funeral. In the meantime, we ask that our family’s privacy be respected at this really difficult time. Thank you so much, and with all the love in the world, Louise, Luke & the family xxx."

The beloved actor leaves behind his daughter Saoirse and wife Louise. The star revealed his terminal diagnosis in recent weeks and a GoFundMe was launched to raise £90,000 to support Louise after his passing.

Finnian was diagnosed with cancer four years ago after his hairdresser discovered a lump behind his ear, which he thought could have been an ingrown hair.

He had surgery to remove the cancer in 2022, but it had sadly spread. Sharing a heartbreaking update last month, the actor penned to his followers: "Unfortunately the scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body and I am now entering the last stages of my life."

He added: "I'm putting this out there as it is really difficult to tell people individually, and I hope now it's in the open, then I can enjoy the time with my amazing family and friends."

If you have been affected by this story, you can contact the Samaritans, call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visithttps://www.samaritans.org/.