Adam Thomas has shared how filming heartbreaking scenes on Waterloo Road helped him as he struggled with the loss of his father.
The actor's dad Dougie James was a 70s soul singer who worked with many top music stars including James Brown, Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder.
Dougie passed away suddenly in 2020, and Adam had desperately tried to save his dad after finding him unresponsive.
Three years on, Waterloo Road viewers have seen Adam feature in devastating scenes as his character Donte Charles struggles with his own grief.
Donte's wife Chlo Charles was shockingly killed off after a car accident in the first episode, with it appearing she suffered from an undiagnosed head injury.
With his character navigating through pain and grief, Adam revealed he researched the topic in order to portray it correctly.
But the actor found that through the research and the scenes, he helped himself come to terms with his dad's death in real life.
Adam was able to accept the loss and find a way to move forward, having previously struggled with this prior to filming for the show.
Speaking on Loose Women on Wednesday, he explained: "I feel like everything happens for a reason because before the show, Waterloo Road, I had not long lost my dad. I was struggling, but I didn't realise how much I was struggling until this storyline.
"With the grief storyline and me researching into the character really helped me deal with my own grief. It helped me come to terms with the fact that he has gone. I needed to accept the fact that he has gone for me to move on.
"This storyline is not only helping loads of people out there watching it but also for me, personally, it's been that little bit extra special. It's been amazing."
Adam had shared a similar view last week after the scenes aired, taking to his Instagram to share how he was now able to talk about his father, and how he hoped to celebrate his life.
He wrote to his followers: "Just want to thank this show and the important storylines, that our shown through out the series. One of which is dontes storyline of grief.
"I didn’t realise how much I was grieving until I actually started the research into the storyline. As you know I lost my dad not too long ago and the sad truth is, I’ve never come to terms with the fact that he had gone, I just didn’t want to [accept] it.
"I would always talk about him, I would always listen to his music…but truth again is, I’ve not listened to his music since he passed.
"But now, I do talk about him! I have accepted the fact that he has gone and although he may have gone his story’s live on…Through us!
"My dads life is to be TALKED about, to be LAUGHED about and to be CELEBRATED!! otherwise what was it all for… memories and stories are all we have left sometimes, and I choose to share mine.
"Life has a funny way of working itself out and I’m a firm believer of everything happening for a reason. Dontes story helped my story and I hope my story can help yours.
"My love goes to anyone who has lost someone, but I want you to know you’re not alone and you can talk about it, and that there are people who will listen…when you’re ready. Link is in my bio for anyone wanting help or just wanting to talk to someone."
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
