More tests needed to find how comedian's son died

Mat TrewernManchester Coroners Court
News imageJustin Moorhouse Barney Moorhouse is smiling. He is wearing a black baseball cap and a chequed shirt. Justin Moorhouse
Barney Moorhouse, 28, who died at his flat in Manchester, was described as the "sweetest, kindest soul" by his dad

More tests are needed to find out how the son of comedian Justin Moorhouse died, a coroner has said.

An inquest heard that further investigations would be carried out into whether drug toxicity caused the death of 28-year-old Barney Moorhouse.

He was found unresponsive in bed by his father at his flat in Manchester on 12 December 2025, Manchester Coroners Court heard.

Opening the inquest, Senior Coroner Zak Golombek said he awaited the full results of a post-mortem examination and toxicology tests.

The court heard Greater Manchester Police had visited the scene and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances or evidence of third-party involvement.

The coroner said he would wait for the test results to decide whether further evidence was needed.

After the five-minute hearing, the inquest was adjourned.

News imageJustin Moorhouse on stage. He is holding a microphone and wearing a black t-shirt. He's wearing black glasses and smiling.
Justin Moorhouse is known for roles in Phoenix Nights and Coronation Street

Justin Moorhouse, known for his roles in Phoenix Nights, Coronation Street, and the film Looking for Eric, announced his son's death on social media.

He described him as a "beautiful boy" and said the family were "beside themselves with grief".

"I am consoling myself as much as I can knowing that he loved us all and knew we loved him," he added.

"He was so happy, content and excited about the future. The sweetest, kindest soul."

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