2 Johnnies star hails ‘little fighter’ baby boy born with rare defect as he shares health update & plots sweet gesture

The rare condition affects about one in every 5,000 babies
THE 2 Johnnies star Johnny Smacks has hailed his “little fighter” JJ after his son was born with a rare birth defect.

The tot has been under the care of doctors and nurses at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, in Dublin, since he was born last month.

The entertainer revealed how he and his wife, Annie, were told early in the pregnancy that JJ would be affected by gastroschisis, a condition that leaves organs ­outside of the body.

Smacks, 34, said: “I’m delighted to share some incredibly special news.

“A few weeks ago, Annie and I welcomed our little boy, JJ, into the world, and I’m officially a dad.

“It’s been a whirlwind, but the best kind. From early in the ­pregnancy, we knew there would be complications, and when JJ was born he was diagnosed with gastroschisis.

“He needed a couple of ops straight away, and he will be in hospital for a while yet, but he’s already shown unbelievable fight. I’m happy to say he’s doing well, getting stronger every day.”

Gastroschisis, which affects about one in every 5,000 babies, is a condition where the intestines protrude through a hole in the abdominal wall, near the belly button, because the tummy ­muscles didn’t fully form.

Johnny shared his happy baby news last night with the audience at The 2 Johnnies’ A Country Christmas at Dublin’s 3Arena.

He will discuss the diagnosis in full tomorrow with co-star John ‘Johnny B’ O’Brien on a special two-hour episode of their 2 ­Johnnies ­Podcast on Spotify.

Johnny will also share more about the fertility journey himself and Annie were on ahead of baby JJ’s arrival.

He said he is incredibly proud of Annie and JJ and the family are looking forward to getting the tot home when he is ready.

And as a thank you for the care that JJ has received in his early weeks, The 2 Johnnies are now organising a charity family show in the 3Arena on Easter Monday next year with proceeds going to Children’s Health Foundation.

Johnny added: “I want to give a massive thank you to the amazing staff in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin.

“The care, support and kindness they’ve shown us has been ­outstanding, and we’ll never be able to thank them enough.

“Most of all, I want to say how proud I am of Annie.

“She’s been incredible throughout everything — strong, calm and absolutely heroic. JJ is very lucky to have her as his mam.

“For now, we’re just taking it all in, celebrating our little man, and looking forward to bringing him home when he’s ready.”

Co-star Johnny B said he was “over the moon” for the couple.

He said: “They will be great parents. They’ve been unreal the last few months.

“That child is gonna have the best runners in Ireland.”

• TICKETS for The 2 Johnnies and the Junior B All Stars will go on sale next Thursday, December 18. The all ages show, in aid of Children’s Health ­Ireland, will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, in the 3Arena.