Fair City’s Johnny Ward has revealed that he has moved back into his family home after his mother fell ill.
Johnny lost his father last month while the actor was taking part in Dancing with the Stars.
The Dubliner was praised for going ahead with his dance routine hours after his dad passed away.
Sadly, his mother fell ill just weeks later.
“I got a phone call the day after the final of Dancing With The Stars to say that my mum was in hospital after having a heart attack,” he told RSVP.
“It was actually funny because I was questioning whether somebody had put a curse on my family. She has broken heart syndrome, which is actually a thing.”
The star explained that while the grieving process has been tough, it’s been made easier with the support of his family.
“I have moved back in with her and things are looking up. Obviously, it is a difficult road and we are broken hearted but it is so much easier when there is somebody with you.”
Speaking in the March issue of VIP Magazine, Johnny revealed that his mother was his biggest fan during the dance competition: “Oh my God, she is. She has this Johnny Ward room and she has kept all newspaper articles,”
He added: “It’s all thanks to her though, she put me in drama and singing at the age of three, and supported me through loads of ups and loads of downs. And kept me at it when I was going through puberty and was all, ‘I don’t want to do this.’ She was there to remind me, ‘That’s what you’re best at.'”
Johnny has now moved back into the room where his father stayed while he was ill, something that is understandably very difficult for him.
“As much as you try and move on with your life, you are looking at a wheelchair, stairlift and commode. It is a constant reminder of the terrible thing that happened.”
“You feel guilty for moving stuff out and the last two weeks have been very difficult, but it is all done now.”
Johnny has been with his dancer girlfriend Rachel Tracey since 2012, and praises her for her support.
“Rachel and I aren’t living together, obviously with the situation, but she has been very strong,” he said.