Home and Away star Johnny Ruffo dies aged 35

 "Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give."

Home and Away actor Johnny Ruffo has sadly passed away aged 35.

Diagnosed with brain cancer six years ago, Ruffo put his career on hold to undergo treatment and was in remission for a time. In 2020, though, the tumour returned and ultimately became terminal.

Famed for portraying Chris Harrington in the Australian show, the late soap star's family announced his death via Instagram today (November 10).

"It is with a heavy heart that today we had to [say] farewell [to] our beloved Johnny," they wrote alongside a photograph of Ruffo.

"Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny went peacefully with the support of some incredible nurses and doctors. He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could.

"Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give. We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives. Rest easy [red heart emoji]."

Ruffo's Home and Away colleague Penny McNamee, who played the character Tori Morgan, paid tribute to him in the comment section, sharing: "Oh Johnny. He was the first cast member I ever met on @homeandaway and he was instantly warm, funny and self-deprecating. What joy he brought to the world. Sending all my love to Tahnee, and all Johnny's family and friends."

Roo Stewart star Georgie Parker added: "He was truly one in a million, funny, bright and such a hard worker. It's ridiculously cruel that he's no longer here. Rest up now Johnny."

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5. In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.