Callan Rydz has sadly announced the passing of his grandfather, who was seen watching the PDC World Darts Championship star from his hospital bed earlier this week.

Rydz, 27, faced off against Daryl Gurney in the second round at Alexandra Palace. The Bedlington champion managed to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory, overcoming a 2-1 deficit to defeat world No.22 Gurney and advance to the last 32 in north London.

Following the match, an emotional Rydz cut short his Sky Sports post-match interview as he discussed his ailing grandfather. “Daryl has been one of the only lads who knows what has been going on back home with my grandad,” Rydz revealed. “Every other day he has been messaging me, asking if he is OK. I’m getting emotional thinking about it…”

After taking some time to regain his composure backstage, Rydz said: “I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m struggling. It’s hard when you have stuff going on back home. I came here to try and forget about it. It’s hard. I play for my family. I’ve got a job to do and thankfully I got through. I have too much stuff going on back home. I hear the crowd sing my name and I smile. But I wish I was home.

“We are preparing for this to be the last Christmas. I haven’t practised either. I’ve been ill. Had that flu that has gone around. I was in bed for two days. I will go home now, see how the big man is. Listen once he goes, I will probably consider packing in. Probably. But I don’t know. I have a decision if I want to keep doing it.

“Christmas Day, we have a tradition, if my grandad is OK, we will go to the pub. Have a laugh with the lads. Then have dinner. I normally go out on his mobility scooter, driving round Bedlington like an idiot. I put it on the high and fast mode and fly around everywhere.

“My grandad likes a laugh about that – and that makes me happy. I play for my family. My grandma, grandad, my mum, they got us into darts. Everything I do is for them.”

Rydz then confirmed that his grandad had been following his match against Gurney from his hospital bed.

Tragically, Rydz confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that his grandad had passed away.

Sharing a selfie with his grandad on Instagram, Rydz wrote: “There’s not enough words to say [deep frustration emoji]. RIP Grandad [red love heart emoji].

“I’ll promise to try and make you and grandma proud up there [red love heart emoji]. I love you.”

World No.42 Rydz faces Josh Rock in the PDC World Championship third round on Monday night.

Rock defeated Joe Comito 3-0 to advance to the post-Christmas stage of the competition on Tuesday.