Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien has shared the heartbreaking news of her father's death in an emotional social media post.
A Heavy Heart: The Actress's Emotional Announcement
The 42-year-old actress, best known for playing Sarah Platt in the long-running ITV soap, took to Instagram on Tuesday, 18 November to reveal her father had recently passed away.
In a moving Instagram Story, O'Brien wrote: "I've been a little quiet on here. My dad recently died. I haven't quite known how to put it into words. My heart is very heavy but I'm grateful he is no longer suffering."
She continued with a message of gratitude for her support network, adding: "Thank you to everyone who's held me steady through this difficult time. I love you. You mean the world to me xx."
The actress concluded her touching tribute with a sequence of emojis: a rainbow, star, heart and praying hands.
Life Beyond the Cobbles: Career and Personal Updates
Tina O'Brien first joined Coronation Street in 1999 and has become a household name through her portrayal of Sarah Platt. Her television credits also include appearances in popular shows like Call the Midwife, Waterloo Road and Doctors.
Before this sad announcement, her most recent Instagram posts appeared in October and early November, where she documented a spa retreat. She described it as "exactly what I needed... peaceful and a bit like coming back to myself."
The star had also given followers glimpses into her professional life, including filming Christmas episodes for Coronation Street and attending the Pride of Britain Awards.
Family Life and New Beginnings
Earlier this year, the actress revealed she had found love with interior designer Adam Fadlé, 38, following her separation from her husband of seven years, Adam Crofts.
O'Brien is mother to ten-year-old son Beau, whom she shares with her ex-partner Adam Crofts. She also has a 16-year-old daughter, Scarlett, with former partner Ryan Thomas. Scarlett is following in her parents' acting footsteps with a role on Waterloo Road.
In September, Tina participated in the popular AI "little me" trend, sharing an emotional post about looking at photos of her younger self and reflecting on life's journey.
Coronation Street airs on ITV at 8pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX.
