Justin Moorhouse has announced the death of his son Barney.
The comedian and actor, 55, took to Instagram on Saturday to confirm the news that his son had died.
Justin 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
‘He concluded, saying: ‘Appreciate your kindness and sensitivity towards the family at this time.’
Fellow comic John Bishop was among those who paid tribute, writing: ‘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.’
Comic Jessica Fostekew also wrote: ‘Oh Justin. I can’t begin to imagine the agony you must be in – sending you all the love and strength in the world. I’m so so so sorry ❤️❤️❤️’
Marcus Brigstocke wrote: ‘Justin – I am so very sorry to read this.
We are sending you all the love in the world my friend. I cannot begin to imagine how hard each minute feels right now. Please – know you are loved. Xxx’
![Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (4587157dw) Michelle Connor [KYM MARSH] assures Steve McDonald [SIMON GREGSON] that he has her blessing and should visit Peter in prison. Dean [JUSTIN MOORHOUSE] (landlord of the Flying Horse) comes into the Rovers and brags to Steve about how good business is in his pub. When Steve then suggests they could hammer his pub team at cricket, Dean tells him another 'Coronation Street' TV Programme. - Aug 2014 Episode 8456](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SEI_277899540-c09c.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Justin is best known for playing Young Kenny in Peter Kay‘s sitcom Phoenix Nights.
The Channel 4 show first aired in 2001 and stayed on screens for two series, with Justin cast as the role as the handyman.
The star has also appeared in Looking for Eric and Guess the Attendance, and as a guest on the Dave TV series As Yet Untitled with Alan Davies.
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