09-05-2025
RTE Fair City star opens up on ‘serious wake up call' after his ‘physical health took serious turn for the worse'
RTE Fair City star Maclean Burke had a "serious wake up call" after his "physical health took a serious turn for the worse".
The
native, who is renowned for playing the well-intentioned
on the hit
soap
opera, was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition
last year.
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Maclean stars as Damien in Fair City
Credit: RTE
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Maclean has opened up on his serious health scare
Credit: Instagram
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Maclean has said he feels the 'best' he has in a long time
Credit: Instagram
was playing the lead role in the 3Olympia's panto show, Freezin, when he
after the curtain closed
and was rushed to hospital.
After a series of tests were carried out, the star was diagnosed with a condition called rhabdomyolysis.
Rhabdomyolysis is a rare condition involving the rapid breakdown of muscle.
When a muscle is damaged, symptoms take a few days to develop, and sometimes those who have the condition may not notice for some time.
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Maclean, who recently said he's "
The Dubliner posted a photo of himself looking worse for wear in bed and up-to-date snaps of him looking as fit-as-a-fiddle with his top off.
He wrote: "Six months ago my life drastically changed overnight, my physical health took a serious turn for the worse to the point where it was hanging in the balance for a short period of time.
"This put me in the position where I had to reevaluate absolutely everything that had led me to this point and the choices I was and was not making for myself
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"I had to acknowledge that I had not taken care of myself properly to the point where my life could have ended."
Maclean explained how his mindset has completely changed due to the health scare.
Fair City star opens up on partner's declining health
He said: "When something like this happens you get a serious wake up call and realise that when life gives you another chance you grab hold of it with everything you've got.
"And now six months later I am seeing the results of making better choices for my physical and mental health.
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"This is probably the best I have felt in a very long time and I am looking forward to continuing making better choices for physical and mental health everyday."
Maclean finished off his statement with a motivational message for his fans saying: "If you were lucky enough to wake up today then make it count and dance like EVERYONE is watching."
'WE MISSED YOU'
The actor made sure to thank those around him who have supported him throughout his journey.
He said: "Special thanks to my family and the rock that is Caitriona Nolan.
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"And a big shout out to @owen_mulrane_fitness who has managed to plan my return to health."
Maclean also revealed that he will be making a return to his panto show this winter saying: "And 'Polly' told me to say she can't wait to see you all in December."
The 46-year-old's friends and fans all flooded his comment section with praise.
Former Fair City star Rachel Pilkington said: "Good on you Mac. Not everyone finds that clarity."
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Aoife commented: "Some man, delighted you're doing well."
Patrick wrote: "Unreal fair play."
Suzanne added: "Delighted to hear this, we missed you this year at the Panto, but glad to hear your on the mend."
