Phoenix Nights star Justin Moorhouse has shared the devastating news of the death of his son, Barney, in a deeply moving public statement.
The comedian and Coronation Street actor confirmed the tragedy on social media, describing his son as “the sweetest, kindest soul” and revealing that the family is struggling to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
In an emotional Instagram tribute, the 55-year-old wrote that Barney passed away peacefully in his sleep — a moment that has left his loved ones “beside themselves with grief”.
Justin spoke tenderly of the love surrounding his son, saying that Barney knew how deeply he was cherished by his parents, siblings, extended family and close friends. He described a young man who was happy, content and excited about the future — a life full of promise that ended far too soon.
“I am consoling myself as much as I can knowing that he loved us all and knew we loved him,” he wrote, adding that love would be the strength that carries them through the days and weeks ahead.
Tributes have poured in from across the comedy and acting world.
Fellow comedian John Bishop shared a heartfelt message, recalling Barney as a kind and joyful boy who grew into someone his family could be immensely proud of. He said there were no words to ease such heartbreak, sending his love to Justin and his family.
Actor Steve Evets, who worked alongside Justin in Looking for Eric, also expressed his condolences, acknowledging the depth of grief the family must be experiencing and offering his support during what he described as a terrible loss.
Justin Moorhouse is best known for his role as Young Kenny in Peter Kay’s iconic sitcom Phoenix Nights, which first aired in 2001. He later appeared in Looking for Eric alongside Eric Cantona, performed extensively on stage, and played Dean Upton in Coronation Street between 2014 and 2015.
Over the years, he has also featured on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Celebrity Mastermind, Still Open All Hours, and fronted his own BBC Radio 4 series, Everyone Quite Likes Justin.
As messages of support continue to flood in, the focus remains firmly on the loss of a much-loved son — and on a family facing a grief no parent should ever have to endure.
Justin ended his tribute with a simple, heartbreaking farewell to Barney — and a request for kindness and sensitivity as the family mourns.