Shane McGuigan Expresses Gratitude to I’m A Celebrity Stars Following Emotional Dad Barry’s Breakdown Over Danika’s Death

Barry McGuigan Reflects on Daughter’s Battle with Cancer

Barry McGuigan took to Instagram to express gratitude to his campmates for their support. He wrote, “Thank you to all the other campmates supporting dad. We appreciate it immensely.”

Barry’s daughter, actress Danika McGuigan, died in 2019 from bowel cancer, five weeks after her diagnosis. She was 33 years old. Danika had starred in the BBC Three comedy “Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope” and had appeared in several films.

In a recent episode of an ITV reality show, Barry shared emotional memories of Danika with his fellow contestants. He recalled her battle with leukaemia as a child, explaining that she had recovered after two years of treatment. He described Danika’s final moments and said she told her mother, “Mum, I can’t hold on.”

Danika had fought cancer once before. Barry noted that 20 years after her leukaemia, Danika experienced pain and later learned she had stage 4 bowel cancer. “Five weeks, five weeks she died,” he said.

Barry and Sandra McGuigan, Barry’s wife, raised four children: Shane, Jake, Blain, and Danika, whom they affectionately called Nika. Barry shared how losing a child changed him. “I used to go to church a lot but after my daughter… you know, not so much,” he said. He thanked his campmates for their understanding: “Thank you, you’re all so lovely, I really appreciate it.”

Social media users expressed deep emotions after hearing Barry’s story. One viewer remarked, “Barry man.. don’t do this to me. That’s actually heartbreaking.”

Danika admired her father’s determination throughout her treatment and often credited him for her strength. She had stated, “I know how lucky I am and I know there’s been one figure that, throughout, has been a huge inspiration to me. That’s my dad.”

Barry’s emotional openness has also influenced others in the camp, including Coleen Rooney, who shared her own experience of loss. She commented on the difficulty of losing a child, reflecting on her sister’s passing.

Barry continues to honor Danika’s legacy as he shares their story, demonstrating the profound impact of love and loss.