TV star Finnian Garbutt dies aged 28 after terminal cancer diagnosis

Hope Street star Finnian Garbutt has died at the age of 28.

The actor, who was best known for playing police constable Ryan Power on the BBC One NI series, confirmed last month that he was ‘entering the last stages of life’ following a battle with Stage 4 skin cancer.

Finnian, 28, was first diagnosed at the age of 25 after finding a lump behind his ear.

Following the Covid-19 lockdown, his barber noticed that the lump had grown significantly, and he was later told that he had Stage 3 skin cancer.

In February 2022, Finnian underwent 12 hour surgery and had 75 lymph nodes removed from his neck and face.

He was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma in August 2024, just two weeks before the arrival of his daughter.

In March, he told his followers that the cancer has ‘progressed rapidly’, that he was in the ‘last stages’ of life and that by going public with the update, he can enjoy his time with his ‘amazing’ friends and family.

The actor subsequently set up a GoFundMe to support his wife and 18-month-old daughter in ‘navigating life’ without him.

‘And thank you also to everyone who donated to our GoFundMe page.

The peace of mind you all gave Finn during his last days made his passing so much easier to bear.

After starring in an episode of Casualty in 2020, Finnian went on to star in Hope Street, which commenced in 2021, joining the show in its third series in 2023.

He took on the role of PC Ryan Power and wasted little time in becoming one of the show’s best qualities, swiftly becoming a firm fan-favourite.

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The twists and turns of the series also allowed Finnian to showcase what he was capable of as an actor, with the introduction of Brandi – his character’s love interest – in the fourth series providing some great conflict for the star to act out, delivering his finest work in the process.

Away from the world of Hope Street, he starred in the film Housejackers.

Reflecting on his life, Finnian wrote last month: ‘Since being diagnosed four years ago I have achieved so many of my life goals – 30 episodes on a TV show, being the lead in a movie that should be out soon, buying my own house marrying my best friend and becoming a father to the most incredible baby girl who never fails to make me smile’.

Finnian was a true talent who never failed to light up the screen and bring heart to the roles he played.

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