HEARTBROKEN actress Kym Marsh has revealed her dad has sadly died after a "long battle with prostate cancer".
The Waterloo Road star's dad David Marsh was diagnosed in 2021 but finished treatment in December.
The star's family released a statement paying tribute to a "much-loved husband, dad, granddad, great grandad and friend to many".
It added: "It is with immense sadness that we confirm the passing of David Marsh.
"A much loved husband, dad, grandad, great grandad and friend to many, David passed away peacefully at home yesterday surrounded by his family.
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"We are truly heartbroken and ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time."
David had recently come off treatment after the cancer spread to his bones.
Last month, Morning Live presenter Kym - who has an ice cream tattoo in tribute to David - broke down in tears as she told the show's viewers of his terminal illness.
She and co-host Gethin Jones were joined by David, then 73, and her mum Pauline in the studio to raise awareness of the disease.
David said: "One day I'm alright and the next I'm bad, you know? That's the way it is now."
Kym said the family took the illness "day by day" and admitted they were "trying to make as many memories" as possible.
She added: "I wouldn't want to see anyone else go through this.
"I get more emotional than my dad does, he's so strong it's unbelievable.
"We know we've got to that point where they can't do anything else for him, and they said 'go and make memories with your family', and that's very much what we're doing."
In 2021, Kym took an extended break from her Morning Live presenting duties.
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She later revealed she had suffered anxiety attacks following David's cancer diagnosis earlier that year and was getting help for her mental health.
Last Father's Day, the Morning Live presenter posted a heartfelt tribute to her dad on Instagram, writing: "Your strength in life has always been immeasurable.
"You tackle everything life throws at you with a smile on your face and always a joke at hand.
"You are the best dad anyone could wish for and I'm so glad you are mine. Here's to you poppa bear! Always your shadow. Love you always and forever."
In December, Kym pulled out of presenting duties on Morning Live once again due to "stress-related" illness.
Co-presenter Gethin said his colleague and pal had "so much going on with her dad" before she went quiet on social media.
One of her latest posts was a black and white photograph from Pauline and David's wedding day.
Sharing the picture on Instagram, Kym wrote: "This year I dedicate my Christmas to the best couple I know!!! @daveyboy113 @marshyswife thank you both for giving us the best Christmas’s ever."
She thanked the pair for bringing their family "so much happiness" and for "being the best parents we could ever have wished for".
Kym previously paid tribute to her parents' "awe inspiring" love on their 58th wedding anniversary last July.
Sharing a snap of the pair kissing, Kym added: "Thank you for falling in love all those years ago, thank you for being the most amazing role models in life, for all your support and love, for your friendship and just for being you."
