HOLLYOAKS star Adam Rickitt has revealed his heartbreak at his dog’s death, saying the pet saved him from suicide and gave him ‘a reason to live’.
Adam, 46, made the heart-rending announcement on Instagram yesterday alongside a photo montage of the late pooch, who was named Rufus.
The actor layered the video against Queen’s Who Wants To Live Forever, writing: “He was not a pet…he was the reason I’m still here.
“19 years ago, I was in a very dark place. In truth, I’d resigned myself to the end…then this little furball came into my life.
“Suddenly I had a reason to get up in the morning, as if I wasn’t there (living remotely), he’d probably die too.
“Slowly waking up in the morning turned to looking forward to the day. Halfway around the world, we travelled my friend…and each step brought me back.
“You were there for my 1st kiss with @katyrickitt .. and you gave your approval by sticking your head up her skirt!
“Through every tear and smile, you knew how to comfort one and enjoy the other…
“To many ‘you’re just a dog’ …to me you were my saviour, my family…my best friend and my reason.
“You lived the fullest of lives and I’m honoured that you were able to let me be a part of it.
“19 years of joy…a moment of utter despair…and now a lifetime of missing you. Run with the angels Rufus…you will forever be missed.”
The ’90s heartthrob, who hasn’t acted since leaving Hollyoaks in 2020, runs Cheshire micro-bar Dexter & Jones these days with his news reporter wife Katy.
The hip business sells more than 450 different types of craft beer and 150 varieties of gin, and Adam was seen handling the latest batch of deliveries.
He and Katy describe the business venture as “the ultimate passion project, blending our love for our community, for each other and for great drinks”.
Last year Adam spoke out after scammers defrauded the business of close to £50,000.
Fortunately the pair were able to get the money back from insurers, but the ordeal still rocked them and they wanted to warn other small business owners to be vigilant.
While he’s now an established publican, in another life Adam was Corrie hunk Nick Tilsley.
He played the character from 1997 to 1999 and then from 2002 to 2004.
Back then Adam’s blonde curtains and ripped six pack afforded him heartthrob status.
He left the soap for the first time in 1999 to start a music career, signing a six-album deal with Polydor although he only released one, Good Times.
His first single Breathe again went to number five but the album only got to 41 in the charts and Adam was subsequently dropped.
Adam also dabbled with a career in politics, signing up with the Conservative party in 2005.
He was approved as a prospective parliamentary candidate – appearing on Question Time in 2006 – but didn’t find a seat to stand in.
In 2010 he even covered the Conservative party conference for ITV television programme Daybreak.
In 2014 he joined the pop group 5th Story on The Big Reunion before taking on the role of Kyle Kelly in Hollyoaks in 2017 until his character’s heartbreaking suicide.
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
