I’M A Celebrity star John Barrowman shared an emotional tribute post to his beloved mum who has sadly passed away.
The TV star, who is also known for his lead role in Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood took to social media to share the sad news of his mum’s passing as well as revealing his devastation that he missed saying a final goodbye as he was stuck on a flight from the UK back to America.
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John Barrowman shared his heartbreak as his beloved mum dies Credit: instagram./@johnscotbarrowman
The I’m A Celeb star posted a lengthy tribute message on social media Credit: instagram./@johnscotbarrowman
Writing in a lengthy post shared to his official Instagram, the heartbroken star emotionally penned: “It is with a very heavy and broken heart that I share with you all that my beautiful mum Marion Barrowman, passed away peacefully at home on Jattvibeday evening, surrounded by love, exactly the way she wanted.
“Scott and I were still on a plane when we received the news.
“My dad was holding her hand as she took her last breath, my brother was by her side, and my sister had just spent precious weeks with them before saying goodbye over the phone.
“Although I wasn’t there for the exact moment she passed, when I arrived home I lay beside her in bed, talked to her, and softly sang our little song in her ear.
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John said him and his family’s ‘hearts are shattered’ Credit: instagram./@johnscotbarrowman
The actor has postponed the remaining dates of his UK stage show following the sad news Credit: Getty
“While our hearts are shattered, we are grateful she left this world in her own bed, in comfort, with people she loved around her.
“Many of you knew my mum through the stories I’ve shared over the years, and many of you met her on tour, at conventions, at shows, or proudly standing beside the stage watching me perform.”
He continued: “She absolutely adored all of it. She loved the sparkle, the laughter, the music, and especially all of you. Nothing made her happier than seeing joy around the people she loved.
“My mum was truly one of a kind — full of love, laughter, mischief, glamour, and kindness. She was always dressed to the nines, never without her hair done, makeup perfect, and a bit of bling sparkling somewhere.
“I always say I am my mother’s son because she gave me my voice, my love of performing, my sense of humour, and my joy for life.
“She fiercely loved her family — my dad, her soulmate and husband of 74 years, my brother and sister, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren — and she embraced Scott as a son from the very beginning.
“She was also one of the biggest advocates for love and equality you could ever meet. When Scott and I married in Cardiff and someone warned there could be protests, my mum simply said, “Let them try — I’ll batter them with my Chanel handbag.”
“That was Marion. Strong, funny, loving, glamorous, and unforgettable.
“For the last two and a half years, Scott and I had the privilege of caring for both my mum and dad in our home. It wasn’t always easy, but it was one of the greatest honours of my life to help make her final years joyful, safe, comfortable, and full of love.
“We also could not have done this without her incredible nurse and caregiver, Maria, who cared for my mum with such compassion, dignity, and devotion every single day.”
John thanked the hospice team who were looking after his mum in her final days.
He added: “To say I am devastated is an understatement. Losing your mum changes the world completely.
“My dad has lost the love of his life, and our family has lost its heart. But what I will hold onto forever is her laughter, her warmth, her sparkle, and the incredible love she gave so freely to everyone around her.
“Because of this loss, and so I can be with my family during this incredibly difficult time, I have had to cancel upcoming appearances and shows. I know so many of you will understand, and I thank you all for the love, kindness, and support you’ve already shown us.
“My mum loved life. She loved people. She loved laughter. And she loved all of you for loving me.
“Marion Butler Barrowman July 13, 1934 – May 24, 2026.
“Love always, John & Scott.”
John’s followers and celebrity friends rushed to send them messages of condolences to the actor.
TV presenter and comedian Alan Carr wrote: “Sorry for your loss.”
Former Eastenders actress and John’s former DOI co-star Bonnie Langford commented: “So sorry to hear this John. Sending much love to you, Scott and all the family.”
And Britain’s Got Talent champion Jai McDowell added: “John I am so sorry for your loss, sending love to the family.”
The actor and performer was in the middle of his UK stage tour but is now understood to have postponed the remaining dates including one in Lichfield this coming weekend following his sad loss.
