Michael Greco had to sign forms stating hospital 'wasn't liable' if his baby died

29 September 2021

Michael Greco had to sign forms stating the hospital wasn't "liable" if his baby passed away.

Michael Greco

The former 'EastEnders' actor's boy Gianluca was born six weeks premature on July 1st and was diagnosed with rare birth defect gastroschisis.

Michael's son fought for his life in intensive care and was eventually able to be discharged, but the star has now recalled the agonising moment he had to face the possibility of the youngster dying.

He wrote on Instagram: "Watching the @chelseafc with my boy. Although we lost, he was still able to cheer on the mighty blues. He’s had 5 general anaesthetics, which is more than most people have in a lifetime. I had to sign forms stating that if my boy didn’t wake up then the hospital would not be liable. Just imagine that feeling! He is a true Trojan and a warrior and I couldn’t be prouder to have a son like him. My beautiful and happy boy Gianluca. #prouddad" (sic)"

Last month, Michael - who played Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap from 1998 to 2002 - revealed Gianluca had been discharged from hospital after he "made an incredible recovery".

He said: "Hi everyone, thank you so much for all your support over the last seven really tough weeks.

"I've just had the most incredible news. I've just had the most incredible news from the doctors that my boy is being discharged today.

"He's made an incredible recovery so soon, so strong.

"And I've just arrived at the hospital to take him home. Thank you all so much for all your well wishes and incredible support. Great day."

Earlier in August, the 50-year-old actor hoped his son was "over the worst of his troubles".

Sharing a snap of him cuddling his baby boy on Instagram, he wrote: "I have absolutely been overwhelmed by how many of you have contacted me about the welfare of my beautiful baba Gianluca.

"He has a few more weeks left in the hands of the experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"Thankfully he seems to be over the worst of his troubles but it’s still too early to see if his bowel will settle down and start to function normally."

In July, Michael revealed he and his girlfriend Helen Harris' baby had entered the world weighing just 4.47lbs after he was born prematurely, and the youngster was admitted to ICU.