Corrie star announces tragic death of son as Phoenix Nights actor pays tribute to his ‘beautiful boy’
PHOENIX Nights star Justin Moorhouse has announced the tragic death of his son.
Confirming the sad news on social media, the Coronation Street actor praised his son, Barney, as the “sweetest, kindest soul”.
In a touching tribute on Instagram, Justin, 55, said the family was “beside themselves with grief”.
He wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts I have to tell you our beautiful boy Barney has passed away.
“Me, his mum and step mum, his sister, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents and his gorgeous friends are besides ourselves with grief.
“I am consoling myself as much as I can knowing that he loved us all and knew we loved him.
“He was so happy, content and excited about the future. The sweetest, kindest soul. He just went to sleep and didn’t wake up.
“.I can’t imagine how the next days and weeks will unfold but I know we are able to cope – love always helps. I am him and he is me.
“Sleep tight Barney. Dad x… Appreciate your kindness and sensitivity towards the family at this time.”
Tributes have flooded in for the comedian’s son, including from fellow comedy star John Bishop.
He said: “Justin this is so heartbreaking. I remember the kind fun little boy who grew to be a man to be proud of.
“There are no words. All of our love goes out to all of you at this time.”
Actor Steve Evets, who starred alongside Justin in Looking for Eric, wrote: “Justin, my heart goes out to you and all your family and friends of Barney.
“I can never imagine the grief you all must be in right now…
“I know my words are meaningless to you all but please take my best wishes to you all at this terrible loss.”
Comedy legend Justin played Young Kenny in Peter Kay‘s sitcom Phoenix Nights.
The Channel 4 show first aired in 2001 and lasted for two series, with Justin cast as the role of idiotic handyman Kenny.
In one iconic episode, he walks around with his face painted like a tiger for days because of a dodgy face painting job at a family fun day.
The stand-up comedian went on to star in the blockbuster film Looking For Eric alongside football legend Eric Cantona.
From 2010 to 2011 he starred in Harold Brighouse’s play Zack at the Royal Exchange in Manchester.
He also spent a year playing Dean Upton on Coronation Street between 2014 and 2015.
Justin has starred on Michael McIntyre‘s Comedy Roadshow, Celebrity Mastermind and Still Open All Hours.
He wrote and appeared in his own BBC Radio 4 show Everyone Quite Likes Justin.