Fair City has announced that actor Tommy O'Neill is leaving the RTÉ show after playing Detective John Deegan for over 20 years.
"O'Neill's much-loved character Deegan has been involved in a myriad of explosive storylines and investigations on the soap over the years, including Ciarán's kidnap of Katy, Cristiano's domestic abuse, Karen's murder, and Will's murder," said Fair City.
"He was promoted to DI, but stepped back down after he realised he was happier as a community garda. Off-screen, Deegan threatened to arrest Ray for stockpiling toilet paper during lockdown!" added the soap.
Deegan retired from the force in May 2022 after many eventful years on the northside.
Actor O'Neill said: "It wasn't an easy decision to leave, but I will always treasure my time on Fair City and the incredible cast and crew that I have worked with over the last two decades, who have given me so many amazing memories and lifelong friendships."
Fair City’s Executive Producer Brigie De Courcy commented: "Tommy O'Neill has been a force for joy since his first days on Fair City. He has made John Deegan into a uniquely loveable character, and he will be hugely missed by the cast, crew, and writers. We all wish him well in the next adventure."
Fair City airs on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
