Hope Street star Finnian Garbutt has opened up about his heartbreaking battle with skin cancer, revealing that he is now entering the final stages of his life at just 28 years old.
Garbutt, who plays police constable Ryan Power in the BBC One Northern Irish drama, shared the devastating news with his followers on social media on Monday, 2 March 2026. He had been diagnosed with skin cancer four years ago, but recently, it had rapidly progressed.
After undergoing tests due to persistent pain in his back and hip, Garbutt revealed that the cancer had spread. In his emotional post, he wrote:
“I am now entering the last stages of my life. 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.”
Despite the tragic news, Garbutt reflected on his life with pride. He mentioned all the goals he had achieved since his diagnosis, including starring in 30 episodes of a TV show, leading a movie soon to be released, purchasing his own house, marrying his best friend, and becoming a father to a beautiful baby girl named Saoirse, who is 18 months old.
Garbutt expressed deep gratitude towards those who have supported him throughout his journey. He wrote:
“If anyone wants to meet up for a pint, coffee or general bit of craic, please reach out and we can try and make it work.”
Many of his colleagues and fellow actors, including Bronagh Waugh and Anthony Boyle, have shared messages of love and admiration for Garbutt. Waugh, who stars in Ridley, called him a “breath of fresh air” and praised his “kindness,” adding, “We will speak your name Legend often & into the world so that your girls & all who come after you, know what an impact you had on us all.”
Garbutt’s Hope Street co-star Ciarán McMenamin wrote:
“If my daughter grows up half as proud of me, as your daughter is going to be of you, I will have done something very right.”
A spokesperson for BBC and Long Story TV, the production company behind Hope Street, also expressed their support, saying:
“Finnian has been such an important part of Hope Street’s success. He is very much in our thoughts.”
Garbutt’s journey with cancer began at the age of 25, when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 skin cancer after discovering a lump behind his ear. In February 2022, he underwent a 12-hour surgery, removing 75 lymph nodes from his neck and face. Unfortunately, by August 2024, Garbutt was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma.
Since beginning his acting career in 2020, Garbutt has appeared in a variety of roles, including a one-off role in Casualty and a short film before being cast as PC Ryan Power in Hope Street. He starred in 31 episodes from 2023 to 2025 and is also set to appear in the upcoming film Housejackers, a comedy-drama set in Belfast.
As Finnian faces this unimaginable challenge, his story continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of love, strength, and resilience in the face of the unknown.
Source: The Independent
