James Cartwright, the actor behind Coronation Street's villainous character Theo Silverton, has spoken candidly about experiencing profound personal loss that will leave this festive period feeling hollow.
The performer, who joined the ITV soap earlier this year as Todd Grimshaw's love interest turned abuser, has been dealing with the deaths of three beloved family members.
"Very sadly, this year, we've lost both our dogs," Mr Cartwright explained.
Speaking to Metro, he continued: "And last year we lost my grandad, who was my best friend, just before Christmas.
James Cartwright shared some sad news
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"The house will feel very empty, so to combat that, we're going out for Christmas dinner for the first time ever."
Following his emotional disclosure, supporters flooded social media with messages of sympathy for the television star.
The double bereavement of losing both family pets during 2024 has added to the grief Mr Cartwright was already carrying from his grandfather's death.
His grandfather passed away in the lead-up to Christmas 2023, making the festive season particularly difficult for the actor and his relatives.
James Cartwright plays Theo Silverton in ITV's Coronation Street
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Mr Cartwright described his late grandfather as his closest companion, suggesting the bond between them was exceptionally strong.
The combination of these three losses within such a short timeframe has prompted the family to rethink how they approach the holiday period entirely.
Rather than gathering at home where the absences would be most keenly felt, the Cartwrights have opted to break with tradition and dine out as a way of managing their collective sorrow during what should be a joyful time.
The family's revised Christmas Day itinerary will see them gathering in the morning to exchange gifts before donning their finest attire for a meal out.
LATETS ITV DEVELOPMENTS
James Cartwright is currently involved in a dark storyline in which has seen character Theo abusing partner Todd
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"We'll wake up in the morning with all the family, we'll open our presents, we'll get our best suits on, and then we'll go out for something to eat," Mr Cartwright explained.
The actor also offered a glimpse into his family's drinking preferences for the occasion, noting his mother would enjoy an eggnog whilst his father would stick to sparkling water.
As for himself and his siblings, Mr Cartwright predicted they would "probably get giddy on buzzballs" during the celebration.
Mr Cartwright's fondest festive recollections centre on times when his grandfather was still alive, bringing warmth and joy to family gatherings.
James Cartwright shared his grief as he talked about the Christmas period
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"My favourite memories are from when my dear grandad was still with us," he reflected.
The actor added: "To me those were the best Christmases because it was a full dinner table and lots of laughter."
The outpouring of support from viewers following his candid interview has been considerable, with Facebook users expressing their condolences.
One fan wrote: "I'm so sorry for your loss," whilst another simply commented: "That's so sad."
Entertainment credentials run deep in the Cartwright household, as James's father is acclaimed playwright Jim Cartwright, creator of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, which became a 1998 film starring Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine.