- For help and support in relation to the loss of a baby contact Tommy’s, the miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth charity, at mailbok@tommis.org or call 0800 0147 800
EastEnders actor William Ellis paid tribute to his late son Dash with a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.
The soapie, 43, who plays Theo Hawthorne, and his wife Alice were left heartbroken when their child passed away in 2017 at just one week old.
In a moving tribute to his son, he lit a candle in his honor and vowed to ‘always cherish his memory’.
William shared a black and white photo of himself and Alice holding Dash in hospital after he was born prematurely at 25 weeks.
He wrote: “This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week, ending with a Wave of Light on Sunday the 15th when we – as a family – light a candle in memory of our little boy, Dash, who we lost in 2017.”
Grief: EastEnders actor William Ellis, 43, paid tribute to his late son Dash in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week
On screen: The soap star, who plays Theo Hawthorne (pictured on EastEnders), and his wife Alice were left heartbroken when their child passed away in 2017 at just one week old
The actor continued: “It’s important for us to keep his memory alive and to carry our grief in that way from time to time, because it allows us to remember that it matters.” Sending love and light to all affected by this type of loss.’
In an interview with Times In 2021, his wife Alice discussed their grief, explaining that the couple were “over the moon” when they conceived Dash after going through IVF.
While on holiday in Ibiza, Alice was taken to a hospital in Majorca for medical attention, but sadly Dash passed away a week after giving birth.
Two years later, on the same date Dash died, their son Odie was born.
Last week, William thanked his fans following his character Theo’s recent storyline with Stacey Slater.
Theo had been harassing Stacey for weeks and the police claimed they had no evidence to arrest him.
He then trashed her house, after breaking in and sending flowers, and also moved in next door. The stalker was later attacked by Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier).
“Can I just come on here and thank everyone for your overwhelming messages of support this week on EastEnders, the really, really tricky stuff we’ve filmed,” he said in an Instagram video.
William continued: ‘It’s so good to see you all so invested in it.’
From the heart: In a moving tribute to his son, he lit a candle in his honor and vowed to ‘keep his memory alive forever’
Plot: Last week, William thanked his fans following his character Theo’s recent storyline with Stacey Slater
“It hasn’t been easy this week and it’s been a privilege to be able to work with Lacey Turner and Bobby Brazer who are just outstanding, knocking it out of the park right now.
“It’s a real honor to be a part of the show, especially when it’s in the place it’s at right now.”
“It absolutely sizzles and that’s thanks to the great writing and Chris (Clenshaw) at the helm steering the ship.” So thank you all and see you soon.’
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.