‘Broke our hearts’: Carrie’s touching Johnny Ruffo tribute

Carrie Bickmore has paid an emotional tribute to Johnny Ruffo live on-air, saying the star’s bright light “shone into our hearts”.

Carrie Bickmore paid a heartwarming tribute to the late Johnny Ruffo live on-air on Friday afternoon following news of the star’s death.

Bickmore had a special connection to Ruffo, having interviewed him during his final TV appearance in August last year when they chatted openly about his health battle.

During her 2DayFM radio show, Bickmore took a moment to pay her respects to Ruffo and spoke about his “incredible” and “inspiring” legacy.

“I was fortunate enough to get to know Johnny over the years and I really wanted to pay tribute to his incredible life,” she said.

“Johnny Ruffo’s bright light shone across our screens and into our hearts, from his electric presence on X Factor, to opening stages for iconic bands like One Direction and the Backstreet Boys, and winning us over as Chris Harrington on Home and Away.

“Johnny brought joy to many. Even as he faced his own battles, Johnny’s spirit never waned. His courage in the face of a terminal brain cancer diagnosis inspired us all. And it was the love for his family that kept his light burning bright.

“His vulnerability in sharing his fears about leaving his girlfriend and incredible support, Tahnee Sims broke our hearts. Johnny shared his journey with us, not for sympathy but to light the way for others in the dark.”

Carrie Bickmore was the last person to interview Johnny Ruffo on TV in August last year. Picture from Channel 10

She also urged listeners to read Ruffo’s memoir, calling it a “message of hope” to those who need it most.

“His book, No Finish Line, isn’t just a memoir, it’s a message of hope and a call to live life to the fullest. Johnny once said, he was already winning – and he was right,” added the presenter.

“Johnny Ruffo, your legacy will continue to inspire. May you rest in peace, knowing that even at just 35 years of age, you’ve left this world better than you found it.”

Carrie Bickmore spoke on radio about Ruffo and their final TV appearance together. Picture from Channel 10

The Aussie singer sat down for an emotional interview with Bickmore during an episode of The Project last year.

During their highly emotional chat, Ruffo revealed that he had already embraced knowing that the cancer would one day beat him, but shared that he was intent on “fighting” for as long as possible.

“At some point it will get me, but I’m still fighting, still kicking on,” he said. “Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour, the average life expectancy was three years. And for me it’s now been five years. I’m already winning. My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can and also live a happy life.”

Ruffo’s heartbroken family announced on Friday the tragic news that he had died, surrounded by his partner Tahnee and family.

“He was a very talented, charming and sometimes cheeky boy. Johnny was very determined and had a strong will. He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give,” a statement posted on Ruffo’s official Instagram account read.

“We all love you Johnny and will remember you for all the joy you brought to our lives.”

Ruffo shot to fame as a finalist on the third season of The X Factor in 2011, later starring on Home And Away before he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017.

Ruffo tragically passed away following a long battle with the disease. Picture from Channel 10

The late star also shared with Bickmore how “difficult” the journey had been for his girlfriend, who had stuck by him during his illness.

“What plays in my head a lot is, I hate to say this, how hard it may be for her if something does happen to me. It’s something that I don’t want to think about. It gets me a little bit emotional, because I know at some point something will happen, whether it’s a month from now or 10 years from now or 20 years.”

Bickmore was also a passionate brain cancer charity advocate since losing husband Greg Lange to the illness in 2010.

Ruffo heartbreakingly went on to share that he was frustrated that keeping positive, even in the face of cancer, couldn’t cure the disease.

“It really annoys me, because positivity doesn’t cure cancer,” he said. “I am the most positive person going round. And I’m like, do you think I’m not being positive? And if I die, it’s because I wasn’t positive?”

Originally published as ‘Broke our hearts’: Carrie’s touching Johnny Ruffo tribute