Hope Street Actor Finnian Garbutt Dies Aged 28

A Heartfelt Farewell to a Beloved Performer

Finnian Garbutt, the talented actor who portrayed PC Ryan Power in the BBC Northern Ireland police series *Hope Street*, has passed away at the age of 28. His family shared the news, stating he died “peacefully at home” in Bangor, where he was born. The show, filmed in Donaghadee, County Down, featured him across all five of its seasons.

Four years ago, Finnian was diagnosed with skin cancer, a condition he openly discussed during his time on the series. In a recent social media message, his loved ones expressed their grief, writing, “

We will always love and miss you Finn

.” The family also noted his recent marriage to partner Louise and the arrival of their one-year-old daughter.

His co-star Cameron Cuffe remembered him as someone who “brought joy to so many.” Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning at BBC Northern Ireland, highlighted Finnian’s significance to the show, calling him “a key part of *Hope Street*’s appeal.” Doyle added that the actor “brought so much to his character PC Ryan Power over the last three series,” leaving a lasting impact on the cast and crew.

Long Story TV, the production company behind the series, described Finnian as “a much-loved member of the *Hope Street* family.” They praised his “absolute joy to work with” and his ability to infuse the set with humor, noting his popularity as PC Ryan Power. The team conveyed their condolences to his wife, daughter, and extended family.

In March, Finnian shared his final update, stating he was entering the “last stages” of his life. He revealed that scans had shown rapid cancer progression, accompanied by pain in his back and hip. “My cancer team admitted me the other day for observations and to do a few scans,” he said. “Unfortunately, the scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body, and I am now entering the last stages of my life.” He expressed gratitude for the support, hoping to cherish time with his loved ones.

Finnian’s journey began with a mole discovered by his barber during a haircut post-lockdown, which was diagnosed as malignant melanoma in 2023. Before joining *Hope Street*, he graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in July 2019. Earlier in his career, he played Benvolio in *Romeo and Juliet* at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre and appeared in the BBC medical drama *Casualty*. His film debut came as Raymond in *Housejackers*, which premiered at the Belfast Film Festival last year.

His passing marks a profound loss for the community of Port Devine and the creative team at Long Story TV, who will “miss him dearly” in their work and lives. The actor’s legacy lives on through his performances and the warmth he shared with everyone he met.