Johnny Ruffo dead at 35: Mel B, Dannii Minogue lead celebrity tributes

The singer and actor died, aged 35, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Johnny Ruffo's family has confirmed the Aussie star has died, aged 35, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

The singer and former Home and Away star, who shot to fame on the 2011 season of The X Factor, first revealed his health struggles in 2017 after he underwent surgery for a brain tumour, before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

He announced that the cancer had returned in November 2021 and published his book No Finish Line in 2022.

'Such a beautiful soul'

In a statement on Instagram, his family announced the heartbreaking news.

"It is with a heavy heart that today we had to farewell our beloved Johnny," they said. "Surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family, Johnny went peacefully with the support of some incredible nurses and doctors."

"He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give.

"We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives."

Johnny Ruffo and Tahnee Sims
Johnny Ruffo with his girlfriend Tahnee Sims. Photo: instagram.com/tahneesims

Tributes pour in for Johnny Ruffo: 'My heart just broke'

Many celebrities, fans, and friends have expressed their love and sadness for the star after the news broke.

"My heart just broke," Spice Girl Mel B commented. "Sending my sincere condolences."

"The cheekiest chap. His voice, smile and dancing feet will be missed by so many," former X Factor judge Dannii Minogue said. "Thinking of his family in this heartbreaking time."

"I’m so incredibly sad to hear this. Huge love to Tahnee and Johnny’s family," former Bachelorette Georgia Love commented.

"Devastating. Thinking of all his loved ones," Anna Heinrich said.

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"Shattered. An absolute beacon of positivity," radio host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald commented. "Johnny walked into any room and put a smile on everybody’s face. Gonna miss ya brother, watch over us."

"So devastatingly sad. My heart is absolutely broken 💔 🥹 Life just isn’t fair. @johnny_ruffo you will continue to be an inspiration to all of us," former Home and Away star Sarah Roberts said.

"Oh my goodness this is so heartbreaking. I am so sorry to hear this. What an incredible man he is. He gave me such incredible advice at the start of my career and I was always amazed at his work ethic," singer Taylor Henderson said. "He really inspired me to keep going 👊🏼 what a legend! RIP Johnny thanks for all the joy you brought to this world for others."

"A sad day. Thoughts are with the family. Always had a smile on his face," Survivor star Luke Toki said.

"This is so Sad 💔 RIP great man. Lots of fun memories together," Brendan Fevola commented.

Johnny Ruffo on Home and Away
Johnny Ruffo starred in Home and Away from 2013-2016. Photo: Seven

"Oh darling boy. ❤️ xx Sending love to all who knew and loved you. And there are so many," Kylie Gillies said.

"Oh this is such heartbreaking news to hear," Angie Kent commented. "What a beautiful soul who showed so much strength all the way to the end. So much love to his family, partner and friends. Rest easy now sweet man."

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