Euphoria and Grey's Anatomy actor Eric Dane has revealed that he is battling ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease.

Speaking to People, he said: “I have been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”

He added: “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week.

"I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”

According to the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association, there are four main types of motor neurone disease (MND), each affecting individuals differently.

ALS is the most common form, involving both upper and lower motor neurons. It is a terminal degenerative disorder that causes people to lose the use of their limbs and the ability to speak, swallow, and eventually breathe independently.

There is currently no cure. Those with motor neurone disease typically die, on average, 27 months after diagnosis, although some patients can live for decades.

Dane is married to Rebecca Gayheart, and the couple share two children: Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.

The 52-year-old American actor is also known for his roles as Jason Dean in Charmed and as Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy.

Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with a slow-progressing form of the disease at the age of 21 and lived to the age of 76.

Motor neurone disease is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in the United States, named after the baseball player who was diagnosed with the condition in 1939.