Lynne McGranger shares moving tribute to late co-star Johnny Ruffo after his death from brain cancer at age 35

Lynne McGranger has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late friend and co-star Johnny Ruffo, marking two years since his tragic passing.

The beloved actress, best known for her role as Irene Roberts on the long-running soap, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a touching photo of herself embracing Johnny on a couch, smiling warmly for the camera.

‘Two years ago. Gone too soon my friend,’ she wrote across the image, alongside a broken heart emoji.

Johnny, who rose to fame on The X Factor Australia in 2011 before joining Home and Away as Chris Harrington, passed away on November 10, 2023, following a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. He was just 35.

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Lynne’s emotional post quickly drew an outpouring of love from fans and fellow celebrities.

Actor Luke Jacobz commented, ‘Such a beautiful man Lynne,’ while influencer Tahnee Sims, Johnny’s long-term partner, left a series of red heart emojis.

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Lynne McGranger (pictured) has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late friend and co-star Johnny Ruffo, marking two years since his tragic passing

The beloved actress, best known for her role as Irene Roberts on the long-running soap, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a touching photo of herself embracing Johnny on a couch, smiling warmly for the camera

‘Lovely to see Home and Away honoured him in their final episodes of Irene leaving. Loved him,’ one fan wrote, referring to the show’s recent tribute to Johnny in Lynne’s farewell storyline.

Former X Factor warm-up act Dave Eastgate also shared his memories, writing: ‘I was the warm-up guy on his very first audition for X Factor. He was so nervous. What a life! What a loss.’

Johnny’s infectious personality and humour made him a fan favourite on Home and Away, where he starred from 2013 to 2016 before stepping away to focus on his health.

This isn’t the first time Lynne has paid tribute to her co-star. Back in 2023, the actress called the late singer a ‘warrior’.

‘He was our friend and we loved him. But more than that he was a beloved son to Jill, a soulmate to his darling Tahnee, a brother to Michael, a cousin, and a precious grandson to his dearest Nonna.’

She continued, ‘He fought like a warrior and was brave and cheeky to the end. Talented, funny, loyal and naughty – we love you my friend. Fly high free from pain. You are missed.’

Ruffo passed away at a Sydney hospital with his family and partner Tahnee Sims by his side.

Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after he went to hospital with painful migraines.

Ruffo was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017 after he went to hospital with painful migraines

Ruffo passed away at a Sydney hospital with his family and partner Tahnee Sims (right) by his side

In August that year, he was rushed to surgery and had a 7cm brain tumour surgically removed from his frontal lobe, before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Ruffo went into remission months after his initial diagnosis in 2017, but revealed in November 2020 the disease had returned.

In August 2022, he confirmed his brain cancer diagnosis was terminal and said he feared how his girlfriend Tahnee would cope once he is gone.

Ruffo marked another year of undergoing chemotherapy in December 2022, and said he was looking forward to having a break and spending time with family over Christmas.

The actor put on a brave face, smiling and giving the thumbs up while he sat in a chair.

‘Back in my favourite chair,’ he wrote sarcastically alongside the hashtags #ihatethischair and #f**kcancer.

Ruffo started another round of chemotherapy and posted a photo of himself undergoing the treatment in hospital with his girlfriend Tahnee by his side.

The actor went through several rounds of treatment before losing his battle with the disease in 2023.