Tony Clay thanks NHS as dad comes out of hospital after 9 weeks

Tony Clay has thanked the NHS after his dad returned home from hospital after nine weeks.

The \'EastEnders\' star\'s father had to spend four weeks on a ventilator in intensive care and underwent a tracheostomy after being struck down with coronavirus, and the actor - who plays Callum \'Halfway\' Highway in the BBC One soap - has praised healthcare workers as "true angels".

He wrote on Twitter: "After 4 weeks on a ventilator in intensive care, a tracheostomy & a 9 week stay in 3 different hospitals, today my Dad is finally home!! Red heart THANK YOU NHS!!! Red heart You are true angels & I love you all Red heart. So much love to anyone going through this right now. There is hope (sic)"

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Several of Tony\'s \'EastEnders\' co-stars past and present were delighted with his latest news.

Shona McGarty - who plays Halfway\'s former fiancee Whitney Dean - wrote on Twitter: "Awwww Tony I\'m so happy Smiling face with smiling eyes that\'s fantastic news! X sending you a massive virtual hug, and so much love to the family x x x x (sic)"

Tamzin Outhwaite - who portrayed Mel Owen - tweeted: "Tony you gorgeous man, that is wonderful news... your tweet made me cry. Wish I could give you a massive hug. Sending you and the whole family so much love. (sic)"

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Lucy Benjamin - who plays Lisa Fowler - wrote: "Sending you all lots of love Tony. Thank god! (sic)"