Colin Farrell's son was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome because of fascination with water

Movie star Colin Farrell said his son was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome because of his fascination with water.

The actor, who is starring in the new Fright Night remake, didn't know anything about Angelman syndrome before his son James was diagnosed with the neuro-genetic condition.

During a chat with American TV host Ellen DeGeneres, he said: "James is kind of obsessed with water. He's not a great swimmer but he just loves being close to it and in and around it.

"It's one of the characteristics of the condition that James has. So if James, like, gets upset at home I can get a pot and put some water in it... It's really beautiful 'cos water is such a pure element.

"There's something really profound about it."

Talking about his diagnosis, he said: "The doctor saw him one day and said: 'Is he always this happy... and does he always kind of flap his arms like that?' And we said: 'Yes.'

"And he said: 'And how does he feel about water?' And we said: 'Oh, water's fascinating [to him].' He went: 'Has he been tested for Angelman Syndrome?' We didn't know what that was."

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