Johnny Ruffo celebrates his 33rd birthday with girlfriend Tahnee Sims with weekend getaway

Johnny Ruffo celebrates his 33rd birthday with girlfriend Tahnee Sims and former Home & Away co-star Lynne McGranger – as he battles brain cancer for a second time

Johnny Ruffo is battling his second bout of brain cancer in four years.

But despite the heartbreaking news, the former Home and Away star was all smiles during recent celebrations for his 33rd birthday with family and friends. 

‘I can not thank you enough for making this weekend a truly memorable one,’ the Australian actor and singer said of being ‘spoiled’ by his girlfriend Tahnee Sims.

Milestone: Johnny Ruffo (right)celebrated his 33rd birthday with girlfriend Tahnee Sims (left) over the weekend – as he battles brain cancer for a second time

The couple appeared to enjoy a mini vacation in Sydney, with Johnny boasting: ‘Thanks to this amazing girl for spoiling me this weekend for my birthday, you went above and beyond, and you continue to surprise and amaze me at every turn.’

‘Love you to the moon and back… I love you so much and can not wait to spend the rest of the day with you,’ Tahnee shared on the day alongside a video compilation of their time as a couple over the years.

Johnny also received a special shout-out from his former Home & Away co-star Lynne McGranger – who plays Irene Roberts on Seven’s soap. 

‘Happy birthday to my good buddy Johnny Ruffo. You are brave and inspirational whilst remaining completely inappropriate and the most politically incorrect person I know! And I love you! Have a great day honey and see you soon,’ she wrote.

Johnny had gone to lunch with Lynne in late February for a catch-up, writing on Instagram: ‘Always a pleasure catching up with this beautiful lady.’ 

'Thanks to this amazing girl for spoiling me': The couple appeared to enjoy a mini vacation in Sydney, with Johnny boasting that she went above and beyond to make it special

‘Thanks to this amazing girl for spoiling me’: The couple appeared to enjoy a mini vacation in Sydney, with Johnny boasting that she went above and beyond to make it special

'Love you to the moon and back': Tahnee shared a special tribute to Johnny on the day alongside a video compilation of their time spent as a couple over the years

‘Love you to the moon and back’: Tahnee shared a special tribute to Johnny on the day alongside a video compilation of their time spent as a couple over the years

The actor was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017. 

Two years after receiving the earth-shattering news that he had an aggressive brain tumour, Johnny announced that he was officially cancer free in May 2019. 

However, on November 24, 2020, Johnny revealed the heartbreaking news that he’s once again battling brain cancer. 

'You are brave and inspirational': Johnny also received a special birthday shout-out from his former Home & Away co-star Lynne McGranger - who plays Irene Roberts on the soap

‘You are brave and inspirational’: Johnny also received a special birthday shout-out from his former Home & Away co-star Lynne McGranger – who plays Irene Roberts on the soap

Heartbreaking news: Johnny revealed the shocking news that he's once again battling brain cancer in an Instagram post on November 24. Pictured in a treatment room as he receives what appears to be chemotherapy

Heartbreaking news: Johnny revealed the shocking news that he’s once again battling brain cancer in an Instagram post on November 24. Pictured in a treatment room as he receives what appears to be chemotherapy 

Sad: The former Home and Away star explained how the diagnosis followed 'an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches'

Sad: The former Home and Away star explained how the diagnosis followed ‘an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches’ 

‘After an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches it is with a heavy heart that I have to let you know I now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned,’ he wrote on Instagram at the time.

Johnny has been updating fans on his treatment via social media, sharing photos of himself in hospital receiving what appears to be chemotherapy.

During his initial 2017 brain cancer battle, he had a 7cm brain tumour surgically removed, before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Johnny rose to fame on talent show The X Factor in 2011, where he placed third.

He later portrayed Chris Harrington on Home and Away from 2013 to 2016.

Shock: Johnny was first diagnosed with the disease in 2017 after he went to hospital with painful migraines. In August of the same year, he had a 7cm brain tumour surgically removed, before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Shock: Johnny was first diagnosed with the disease in 2017 after he went to hospital with painful migraines. In August of the same year, he had a 7cm brain tumour surgically removed, before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy