Ryan Thomas reveals his heartache after close friend took his own life in lockdown

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RYAN Thomas revealed his close friend took his own life during lockdown.

The former Coronation Street star, 36, said he was “shocked” by the news as his pal was out for dinner the night before.

Ryan Thomas revealed his friend died by suicide in lockdown

Now Ryan is embarking on a 262-mile walk from London to his home city of Manchester to raise awareness and £25,000 for mental health charity CALM.

Speaking about the death, he told The Mirror: “You’d never have known he was suffering. The night before he was on Instagram saying he was out for dinner.

“He was the same age as me. It really shook everyone.”

He added of the people messaging him ahead of his marathon: “Some are from people who lost a dad, or sister, to suicide. Many are struggling themselves.

Ryan will be hiking from London to Manchester

He has undergone a gruelling fitness programme

“I’m lucky in that my brothers and I always talk. But not everyone has that support. Men are not great with their emotions.

“I want people to know there’s help out there. If I can save even one life, I’ll have done a great job.”

Ryan has two brothers: Emmerdale’s Adam and Love Island’s Scott Thomas.

He is also father to daughter Scarlett, 12, with ex Tina O’Brien and baby Roman with Lucy Mecklenburgh.

Ryan with daughter Scarlett, son Roman and fiancé Lucy Mecklenburgh

Ryan revealed in March that he has quit acting – admitting: “I’ve lost the bug for it.”

The soap star explained he found being criticised for his performances “really hard”.

Ryan played Corrie’s Jason Grimshaw for 16 years before joining Neighbours as Rafael Humphreys.

But more recently he has concentrated on projects with his brothers Adam and Scott, such as their travel TV series and podcast.

The star recently revealed he’s quit acting

Speaking on their popular Mancs On The Mic show, Ryan explained rejection had ground him down.

He said: “It’s so hard for me. I started off acting, I started off in that game and I really lost the bug for it.

“I feel the reason for losing the bug is rejection and going to auditions and not getting them.”