RTE reveals Bryan Murray's final episode date as actor retires from Fair City

The partner of Fair City star Bryan Murray has said the actor doesn’t believe there is anything wrong with him – as he retires from the soap later this month.

The actor has portrayed the character Bob Charles for 20 years after first joining the cast in 2005.

The soap star and his co-star, and real-life partner Una Crawford O'Brien, shared that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two years ago.

Bryan will make his last appearance on our screens on Thursday, 24 April.

Una opened up about the decision for him to step back from Fair City, six years after he first found out about his condition.

She told RSVP Live: "I didn’t have it with him. He has gotten increasingly worse. He’s been diagnosed for six years and the progression has been there. He’s not aware so we didn’t have to have that conversation."

She explained that due to his condition progressing, Bryan isn’t aware that he has memory issues.

"He wouldn’t know what we’re talking about," the actress shared. "He himself thinks that there’s nothing wrong with his memory. That can be very difficult. Besides that, he wouldn’t have the comprehension nowadays to know what you’re talking about."

The cast and crew behind Fair City have been incredible over the past few years, she stated.

"They’ve been incredible," Una said. "They couldn’t have done more. I think it’s all to do with looking outside the box. He was an actor, he knows what he does and it kicks in. The muscle is still there.

"They facilitated that to the best of their ability and they have been fantastic. Unfortunately, it can’t continue because he is getting worse."

Acting has been a part of Bryan’s life for over five decades, with Una explaining that was one of the reasons they didn’t share his Alzheimer’s diagnosis for a few years.

She said: "That’s why we didn’t say anything for two years because that’s what he has been doing for so long. He joined the Abbey Company and got his first contract there on his 21st birthday. He’ll now be 76 in July. That’s what he has always done.

"My mother had Alzheimer’s and I knew that it could only get worse. I was more aware of what the impact would be.

"I think when he was diagnosed initially they said 'mild cognitive impairment', so he clung on to that for dear life, probably hoping that it would never get any worse.

"It had more of an effect on me than on him, I think."

She shared that since sharing Bryan’s diagnosis, she has been approached by fans of the show who have had their own experiences with the disease.

Una said: "We are in people’s living rooms or sitting rooms four times a week. They feel that they know you.

"It also allows them to speak freely about it as well if they have someone in their own family with Alzheimer’s because they can identify with it.

"It has been very good that it has opened up that dialogue so people feel free to talk to me about it and their own situations.

"I always think that talking about things is a really good and healthy thing to do."

During his tenure in Carrigstown, he managed and ran the famous McCoy’s Pub, before later taking over The Hungry Pig restaurant.

Bob Charles’ dynamic evolution—from family man to navigating intense emotional challenges—"showcased Murray’s exceptional range as an actor".

"One of his most memorable storylines on the show was when he ended up homeless, sleeping rough on the streets of Carrigstown and was ostracised from the community," RTÉ said.

Speaking about his retirement, Brigie de Courcy, Executive Producer of Fair City said Bryan has been a part of the Fair City family for 20 years.

"Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of watching him navigate a wide range of emotions and storylines, always with a professionalism that made it look effortless.

"His immense talent, dedication, and passion for his craft have left an enduring legacy that will be remembered. While we will miss him on set, we are incredibly grateful for the many wonderful years we’ve shared with him. His contribution to Irish television is immeasurable, and we wish him all the best," she said.

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