CORONATION Street fans have been shocked by Gray O’Brien’s revelation that he is battling stage four tonsil cancer.
How did the actor find out he had the condition and what else do we know about the star? Here’s the lowdown…
Gary O’Brien is best known by soap fans for playing Carla Connors murderous factory owner husband Tony Gordon
What has Gray O’Brien said about his cancer diagnosis?
Gary O’Brien revealed he had been battling cancer in a post on Twitter in November 2019, announcing he had finished his treatment.
The actor also shared a video of him ringing a bell in hospital to signify his treatment had ended.
He said: “When I received the diagnosis of tonsil cancer I was of course devastated – it’s cancer.
He discovered he had been living with the condition after visiting his doctor with swollen glands around August.
“My reason for waiting to ring the bell before I mentioned it publicly is because I wasn’t sure how strong I would be in coping with the treatment, indeed could I cope with the treatment?
“Even though I was told what to expect after the chemotherapy and what to expect after 30 rounds of radiotherapy I wasn’t sure how my body would react, and now six weeks later I have been able to cope with it and I was able to ring the bell.
“This is only the treatment finished. I now have a long way to go with my recovery.
“I have been advised it will get worse before it gets better, and I have no reason to doubt this.
“The accuracy of the medical advice I have received with regards to the treatment and how it’s progressed has been spot-on so far.
“As long as I take it a day at a time as I have up until this point I am looking forward to coming through the other side.”
About 3 months ago a trip to the doctors with swollen glands led to stage four tonsil cancer. Today marks the end of my treatment & I couldn't be more thankful to everyone who has supported me along the way. @Beatson_Charity @CRUK_BI #CancerAwareness #tonsilcancer #staystrong
pic.twitter.com/yF4AikGfm4
— Gray O'Brien (@RealGrayOBrien) November 25, 2019
Who did Gray O’Brien play in Coronation Street?
The actor is best known by soap fans for playing Carla Connors murderous factory owner husband Tony Gordon.
He joined the soap in September 2007 and consistently delivered powerful performances.
So much so that he won Villain of the Year at the 2009 British Soap Awards.
However, his character was eventually killed off in a dramatic storyline in June 2010 which saw his character take hostage in the Underworld factory before he set it ablaze and died in the flames.
Thankfully, his hostages managed to survive.
Is Gray O’Brien married?
Gray married ex-wife Lynn in May 1996 however the pair went on to split in..
The former couple shares a son named Conor.
Gray is currently dating photographer Kate Scott.
