Hope Street favourite Finnian Garbutt has shared heartbreaking news that has left Coronation Street fans stunned. The 28 year old actor, best known for playing Ryan Power in the BBC One NI drama, revealed that his cancer has progressed rapidly and that he is now entering the last stages of his life. The devastating update comes four years after he was first diagnosed.
Finnian Garbutt Reveals Cancer Has Progressed To Final Stages
Hope Street star Finnian Garbutt confirmed on Sunday, March 1, that his condition has worsened significantly. Sharing an emotional message on Instagram, he explained that he had recently been experiencing severe pain.
He said that over the last month he had been dealing with quite a bit of pain in his back and hip, which led his cancer team to admit him for observation and scans. The results brought crushing news. He revealed that the scans showed the cancer had progressed rapidly throughout his body.
He told followers clearly that he is now entering the last stages of life. He chose to share the update publicly because telling people individually had become really difficult. His cancer journey began in 2020 when, at 25, he discovered a lump behind his ear.
During lockdown he kept an eye on it, but once restrictions lifted, his barber noticed that it had grown significantly. Doctors later diagnosed him with Stage 3 skin cancer. In August 2024, just two weeks before the birth of his daughter, doctors diagnosed him with Stage IV melanoma.
“I Have Achieved So Many Of My Life Goals”
Despite the heartbreaking prognosis, he focused on gratitude. He explained that sharing the news publicly would allow him to spend his remaining time enjoying moments with his amazing family and friends instead of having painful conversations over and over again. Reflecting on the past four years, he said he had achieved so many of his life goals.
Since his diagnosis, he filmed 30 episodes of Hope Street, took on the lead role in a movie that is due for release soon, bought his own house, married his best friend, and became a father to what he described as the most incredible baby girl who never fails to make him smile.
He thanked everyone who has reached out and supported him and his family over the years. In a warm and open invitation, he said that if anyone wants to meet for a pint, coffee, or even just a bit of craic, they should reach out and try to make it work. We will keep you posted regarding his health and what he shares next. Until then, stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street updates.