He shared the heartbreaking news to his fans

The 28-year-old BBC actor, who plays PC Ryan Power in the crime series, was diagnosed with Stage 3 skin cancer.

He has said that he is now entering “the last stages of life” following his skin cancer diagnosis.

After he discovered a growth near his ear four years ago, which he originally believed was an ingrown hair, the actor grew concerned when his barber informed him the lump had enlarged.

Garbutt underwent the removal of 75 lymph nodes from his face and neck during an exhausting 12-hour operation but devastatingly, his cancer has metastasised throughout his body.

He shared the devastating updates on his Instagram for his fans.

“Hey all. Over the last month or so I've been having quite a bit of pain in my back and hip. My cancer team admitted me the other day for observations and to do a few scans. Unfortunately the scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body and I am now entering the last stages of life”, he said in the update.

“I'm putting this out there as it is really difficult to tell people individually and I hope now that it's in the open I can enjoy the time with my amazing family and friends. Since being diagnosed four years ago I have achieved so many of my life goals – 30 episodes on a TV show, being the lead in a movie that should be out soon, buying my own house, marrying my best friend and becoming a father to the most incredible baby girl who never fails to make me smile”, he added.

“Thank you to all that have reached out over the years and supported me and my family. If anyone wants to meet up for a pint, coffee or general bit of craic please reach out and we can try to make it work. Love as always, Finnian”, he concluded.

The actor welcomed his baby daughter just 18 months ago.