I’m A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was ‘moved to tears’ after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter’s death

I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death

I cannot help but be deeply moved by the story of Danika McGuigan, a young woman who faced adversity with courage and grace. Her journey through life, marked by resilience and determination, is truly inspiring.


Ant McPartlin was deeply touched when he saw I’m A Celebrity contestant Barry McGuigan break down emotionally over the loss of his daughter on the show, causing him to shed tears.

On ITV2 spin-off Unpacked on Monday, the presenter (age 49) emotionally confided that the emotional breakdown of Barry, following his daughter Danika’s passing, deeply affected him, as he and co-host Declan Donnelly discussed the show.

During Monday night’s main show, viewers commended Barry for sharing his feelings of loss, as he spoke openly about the passing of his daughter Danika.

Earlier this year, Ant, now a father, shared with hosts Joel Dommett, Kemi Rodgers, and Sam Thompson that he had watched the heartfelt moments before they went on air, and expressed, “Those scenes truly touched me.

Earlier in the day, prior to the performance, we had seen it, and it moved me to tears. I can hardly conceive of the pain of losing a child, yet he fought against it, unable to avoid emotion. The contestants on the show seemed genuinely kind towards him.

I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death

In 2019, Danika, Barry’s daughter, unfortunately lost her life at the age of 33 following a tough fight against cancer. On a recent broadcast, Barry shared his feelings of mourning in light of this sad event.

Spectators hailed a particularly touching scene as the “most heartwarming in I’m A Celebrity history,” with everyone in camp shedding tears in support of Barry.

On platform X, viewers expressed their feelings as follows: ‘One of the most emotional instances ever on I’m a Celebrity… It’s such a lovable group – they should all make it to the finale!! #ImACeleb’

It was known that Danika had been battling health issues since childhood, having been diagnosed with Leukemia at the tender age of 11.

Barry told the camp: ‘[Danika] had leukaemia, when I was making the boxing with Daniel Day Lewis. 

‘Three weeks from the end I had to leave because she’d been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Initially, they believed she wouldn’t recover, but remarkably, she demonstrated resilience and eventually triumphed. Over a span of two years, she underwent chemotherapy.

As he started to cry, his fellow campmates rallied around him, with Danny Jones and Tulisa offering comforting embraces. Barry, overcome with emotion, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you, each one of you is so kind, I truly value your support.

I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death

In the course of my conversation with Jane Moore from Loose Women, I will discuss Danika’s most recent and concluding battle against cancer. He expressed that ‘She experienced abdominal pains, but she was committed to filmmaking; she delayed seeking medical help and eventually visited the doctor, after which she gathered us all together.’

‘Stage 4 bowel cancer, five weeks, five weeks she died.’ 

Danika McGuigan, who worked as an actress, passed away surrounded by her ‘devastated’ family. 

In her career, she was recognized by the name Nika McGuigan, and she appeared in movies such as Philomena, Mammal, and Wildlife.

Danika previously studied at the former school of Princess Anne, Benenden, located in Kent. Afterward, she earned a degree in drama from an institution in Dublin.

I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death

With deep sorrow and profound grief, we announce the tragic loss of our cherished daughter and dear sister, Danika ‘Nika’ McGuigan.

Following a valiant struggle against cancer, Nika sadly lost her life on Tuesday, July 23, with her cherished family members by her side, providing comfort and peace.

Our family is heartbroken, and we kindly request seclusion at this challenging time so that we can mourn the loss of our cherished one, Nika.

Danika was Barry’s only daughter, alongside her three brothers Shane, Jake and Blane. 

Shane has taken after his dad, carving out a highly successful career as a boxing trainer.

Her mother, Sandra, has been married to her father Barry for more than thirty years.

2005 saw him sharing with The Sunday Times about the shocking blow they received when Danika was diagnosed with leukemia back in 1997, which felt as if he’d been struck by a massive sledgehammer.

‘There’s nothing worse than your child getting sick. No amount of fighting in the ring could have prepared me for it.’ 

I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death
I'm A Celebrity host Ant McPartlin reveals he was 'moved to tears' after Barry McGuigan broke down while discussing his grief following his daughter's death

Approximately one and a half years after leaving school, Danika went back – having a painful discussion with her father, she expressed that she didn’t want to fall ill ever again. Moving forward with life was what Barry mentioned she did.

He continued: ‘She found a love of drama and is now at acting school in Dublin. The word ‘dynamo’ doesn’t do her justice.

Danika always sees a glass as being entirely full, not just half-full or half-empty. In reality, it might even be overflowing.

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2024-11-19 12:49

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