In an emotional revelation that pulled on the heartstrings of the nation, boxing legend Barry McGuigan, 63, opened up about the devastating loss of his daughter Danika McGuigan during his appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
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On Monday night’s episode, Barry’s grief poured out as he broke down in front of his campmates, sharing the tragic story of his daughter’s untimely death in 2019. Danika McGuigan, known professionally as Nika, was just 33 years old when she lost her battle with cancer, leaving behind a grieving family that has never fully healed from the heartbreak.
A Shocking Loss That Shattered a Family
Danika was no stranger to health struggles. She had been diagnosed with leukaemia when she was only 11 years old, a battle that she bravely fought through her youth. Despite her early diagnosis and prolonged treatment, she found solace in her passion for acting, attending a drama school in Dublin and later starring in films such as Philomena, Mammal, and Wildlife. To those who knew her, Danika was a dynamo—a vibrant spirit who lived life to the fullest, never letting her illness define her.
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But in July 2019, her health took another devastating turn. After being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, she passed away within just five weeks, surrounded by her heartbroken family. Barry, who was already a public figure known for his unbreakable will inside the boxing ring, found himself facing a loss far greater than any he had encountered in his storied career.
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In a family statement issued after Danika’s death, her loved ones said, “It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Danika ‘Nika’ McGuigan. After a brief but brave battle against cancer, Nika passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday, July 23, surrounded by her loving family.”
The McGuigan family, which includes Barry’s wife Sandra and their three sons—Shane, Jake, and Blane—was devastated by the loss of Danika, who had been the only daughter of the couple. Barry, known for his successes in the boxing ring, was faced with an emotional pain he could never have prepared for.
A Father’s Grief: The Road to Healing
Barry McGuigan has been open about his grief, admitting that the loss of a child is something no parent can truly recover from. In 2021, he shared with Belfast Live, “I lost my daughter two years ago, and it’s been shocking. I’ll never recover from it. My life will go on, but I’ll never be the same because family means everything to me.”
While time may have passed, the pain of losing Danika is something that still haunts Barry daily. On the fifth anniversary of her death, he poignantly shared on social media: “5 years today Nika, we miss you so much.”
A Courageous Young Woman Who Inspired Those Around Her
Danika’s fight against illness was something that defined her character. Her early diagnosis of leukaemia in 1997 rocked the McGuigan family to their core. Barry, reflecting on that period, recalled how devastating it was to see his daughter battle such a fierce illness. “Finding out that Danika had leukaemia was like being hit with a sledgehammer. There’s nothing worse than your child getting sick. No amount of fighting in the ring could have prepared me for it,” he said in a Sunday Times interview in 2005.
Despite the uncertainty that loomed over her health for many years, Danika remained resilient. After her remission from leukaemia, she threw herself into her studies and acting career, becoming known for her roles in film and television. Her upbeat attitude and commitment to living life to the fullest were truly remarkable. Barry described her as a “dynamo” and explained, “With Danika, the glass is never half-empty and never half-full. It’s completely full. In fact, it’s probably spilling over.”
A Moment of Vulnerability on National Television
Barry McGuigan’s appearance on I’m A Celebrity marked the first time he publicly shared the emotional toll that his daughter’s death had taken on him. In one of the most emotional moments in the history of the show, Barry broke down in tears as he spoke to his campmates about the loss of Danika. Fans of the show watched as Barry recounted the harrowing moment when his daughter was first diagnosed with leukaemia while he was working on a film with Daniel Day Lewis.
“The doctors thought she wasn’t going to get better, but she fought back and she won it,” Barry recalled. “She had two years of chemotherapy. But later, she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. Five weeks, five weeks she died.”
As Barry spoke, his campmates, including Danny Jones and Tulisa, gathered around him to offer comfort. The campmates were visibly moved by Barry’s vulnerability, and the audience at home shared their support, with many describing the moment as one of the most heartfelt and emotional segments ever to air on I’m A Celebrity.
The Struggles of Moving Forward
Although Barry has been able to continue living his life and pursue his passions, the pain of losing his daughter will never truly leave him. It’s clear that, for him, there will always be a part of him missing. But as he said in a 2021 interview, “I’ll try my best to move on with life. I won’t recover, but I will continue living because life goes on.”
Barry has always been known for his strength and resilience in the face of adversity, but his experience with grief has revealed a more tender side to the boxing champion. His story is a testament to the enduring pain of losing a child, but also to the strength it takes to face that pain and continue on, even when the world seems unbearably difficult.
In the years since Danika’s death, Barry’s family has remained close-knit, with his wife Sandra and their sons continuing to support him as they all navigate life without Danika. Barry’s eldest son, Shane, has followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a successful boxing trainer, and his family remains his anchor through the toughest times.
Legacy and Love: A Family United in Grief
Danika’s legacy lives on not only through her films but also in the hearts of those who loved her. Her family continues to honor her memory, finding ways to celebrate her life while coping with the immense pain of her passing. Barry’s emotional appearance on I’m A Celebrity may have opened a new chapter in his journey of grief, but it also served as a reminder that love endures beyond the most tragic circumstances.
As Barry shared his story with the nation, it was clear that his love for his daughter will never fade, no matter how many years pass. Danika’s spirit continues to inspire, and her memory will remain a part of Barry McGuigan’s life forever.
A Heartfelt Journey Through Grief
The emotional journey of Barry McGuigan has touched the hearts of millions, reminding us all of the fragility of life and the strength it takes to continue after experiencing profound loss. Through his candidness and vulnerability, Barry has offered a rare glimpse into the pain of losing a loved one, and in doing so, he has connected with audiences around the world who share in his grief. As he continues to navigate life without Danika, it is clear that her memory will forever be a guiding light for him and his family.
