Hollyoaks star Ruby O'Donnell flooded with support as she announces heartbreaking family loss

Fans and co-stars have rushed to support Hollyoaks actress Ruby O'Donnell after she shared the heartbreaking news that her grandmother has died. The 22-year-old, who is known for playing Peri Lomax in the Channel 4 soap, revealed news of her loss on Instagram on Thursday night (March 30).

Ruby shared three sweet snaps of her with her grandma - one when she was just a baby while the other two showed the pair together more recently including alongside Ruby's mum as they appeared to glam up in almost matching red outfits for a party.

"Today was all about celebrating the beautiful life you created," the soap star typed alongside the images. She then added: "I'll miss you forever Grandma."

READ MORE: ITV Loose Women viewers make new observation about Coronation Street's Charlotte Jordan as she's left squirming by Denise Welch over past

Hollyoaks co-star Nikki Sanderson was among the first to respond, writing: "Sending lots of love to you all. So sorry for your loss." Ross Adams shared: "Thinking of you beautiful." Former co-star Gabriel Clark commented: "Sending you and your family lots of love."

@orlaith.kealy posted: "She’s looking down on you. Sending hugs to you and your family." @_emlouisecook_ commented: "So sorry for your loss Ruby. Thinking of you and your family." @rachelnoonan1234 added: "So Sorry for your Loss Ruby, Beautiful photo of you Both, Sending Condolences To you And your family."

Ruby first joined Hollyoaks as Peri Lomax in 2013. Her character has faced a number of hard-hitting stroylines including a teen pregnancy and homelessness. She also discovered that her older sister Leela was in fact her mum as who she thought were here parents both died.

Ruby is currently playing out another important