Coronation Street star Jamie Kenna has issued a touching message to those feeling lonely on Christmas Day.
The soap star, who played Phill Whittaker on the ITV soap, shared an honest post about going through the 'dark times' he's experienced since quitting the soap.
On Christmas Day this year, Jamie urged those who find themselves in the same position as he once was to get help.
While the festive season can be a time of joy and excitement to most, for others, it can be one of the loneliest and most difficult times of the year, with Jamie urging those who feel sad during the festive season to remember that brighter days are ahead.
The former Corrie star reminded his followers that some people may be feeling 'isolated' and may need extra support this time of year.
Sharing a video on Instagram, Jamie said: "Merry Christmas, I just wanted to jump on here because I was thinking on the way to work this morning, I love Christmas, Christmas is my favourite time of year.
"I've got two little kids and I can live vicariously through them and the whole Santa Claus thing is brilliant.
"But also I've had my dark times and I know how that feels and when you're in one of those dark spots or if you know someone in one of dark spots, Christmas can be horrible. It can really rub salt in the wound when you're supposed to be feeling festive and full of love and joyous spirit, but all you want to do is hide under a duvet."
The Peaky Blinders star went on: "So I just wanted to reach out to those of you who feel that way or you may know someone who feels that way. Don't feel you're going to kill someone's Christmas buzz by talking about it, don't feel you're going to ruin someone's Christmas by picking up the phone - just do it and don't be alone.
"If now is the time to reach out then do it, now is the hardest time of the year because you feel very lonely and isolated and you're going to be the Grinch, but you're really not.
"Christmas is all about wrapping yourself around people you love and care for and that might be someone you haven't spoken to for years and all of a sudden they pick up the phone.
"So just be aware of that and if you feeling that way, reach out, please reach out and say something and you won't regret it."
Following his brave and honest Christmas Day post, fans rushed to thank the actor.
"I needed to hear this so badly today. Thank you for being so aware and thoughtful," one fan gushed.
"This man knows what's up. It is such a tough time of year, and things are even harder when watching everyone else have a fabulous day," another echoed.
"This is so so true. Thank you for being so honest and open," someone else shared.
Jamie regularly speaks about living with anxiety following a past breakdown.
The actor suffered a mental breakdown a decade ago and hopes that speaking about his ordeal will push people to do the same.
