Tributes have been paid to DIY SOS star Johnny Aylward who has sadly passed away.

The dad of seven was diagnosed with the most severe form of Motor Neurone Disease in November 2020. He sadly passed away from MND on March 13th at the age of 59. Johnny stole the nations' hearts when he appeared on DIY SOS alongside Baz Ashmawy last April. Baz and his team helped build Johnny and his family a house in Shanbough. Baz lead the tributes to his dear friend. Alongside a photo of him and Johnny on Instagram, the presenter said he is "lost for words" following Johnny's death. "I'm a little lost for words after the death of my friend Johnny Aylward after his impossible battle with motor neuron disease. "I feel overwhelmed with sadness for Lynn, your poor children, and all your family and friends because you leave a big void that can never be filled and that adds to the heartache. [caption id="attachment_425416" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] RTÉ[/caption] Baz extended his deepest sympathies to all of Johnny's loved ones. He said he instantly liked Johnny's family when they met last year. "People who have become very close to me. On a personal level, I've had a lot of sad and wonderful days on DIY SOS but this is up there with the worst of them."

Baz said he will always be grateful for the friendship he had with Johnny.

"You were a hugely popular man with all the crew and volunteers. That was down to your humour, your dignity, your lust for life, your beautiful singing voice, your love for pints of Heineken, and your fowl fucking mouth." He continued, "I'm very bad at goodbyes Johnny so why don't I just say thanks for pestering me every time united lost? He also thanked his dear friend for the slagging, the craic and the chats. "Thanks for guilting me into going drinking with you by telling me I had to because you were dying." Baz added, "Thanks for being my friend. I love ya. I'll miss you and.... I'll see ya later!"

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