X Factor star undergoes emergency brain surgery after going to hospital with a 'migraine'

Former Home and Away actor Johnny Ruffo has undergone emergency surgery to remove a brain tumour after going to the hospital for "a migraine".

The 29-year-old X Factor Australia finalist revealed his harrowing ordeal in an Instagram post to his 194k followers, which showed his large post-surgery scar across his forehead.

He captioned the snap: "Some things in life really put things into perspective, hoping for a positive result, keep me in your thoughts x.

Ruffo followed it up with another image of him sitting up in a hospital bed with a bandage around his head and giving the thumbs up.

"On Sunday I went into the hospital with a migraine," the entertainer said in a statement. "I had to have a brain tumour removed. I am on the mend and feeling positive. Keep me in your thoughts."

Ruffo's former co-star Esther Anderson was one of the first to rally around the singer with a message of support that read: "Praying for you".

Kyle Pryor, who is best known for playing Nate Cooper in Home and Away, said: "Love and support to my friend and Home and Away co-star Johnny Ruffo, I hope you make a speedy recovery mate..."

"Thinking of you lad," NRL player Sam Burgess wrote.

Meanwhile, Ruffo's representatives, CMC Talent Management, also wished him a speedy recovery writing, "You are in our thoughts and Prayers Ruffo. We love ya."

Ruffo rose to fame after coming third on the 2011 series of The X Factor Australia. Months after signing a record deal with Sony Music, he competed on the 12th season of Dancing With The Stars Australia, where he and his partner Luda Kroitor were named the champions.

Between 2013 and 2016 he showed off his acting chops on Home and Away as Chris Harrington. "It is almost like they've written the character just for me," he previously said about landing the role. "He is fun and cheeky, he's a bit of a ladies' man and a little bit cheesy like me. He's a traveller who has been around, much like myself."