BBC star shares devastating cancer diagnosis but had | UK News

A contestant from this yr’s The Traitors has revealed he was secretly battling cancer while showing on the hit BBC collection, opening up about his diagnosis in a deeply personal message. Ben, 67, from Hampshire, who entered the Scottish fortress earlier this yr, disclosed that he had been identified with prostate cancer before even making use of for the show — a fact he stored personal during filming. In an emotional video shared on social media, he explained why he has now determined to converse out.

He said: “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer before I applied and was cast on The Traitors. “Since then, prostate cancer has been confirmed as the most common cancer in the UK. “Men are being diagnosed at an all-time high.” Ben revealed the diagnosis got here as a full shock because he had skilled no warning indicators at all — a actuality that has prompted his push for better awareness and screening.

He said: “I never had any symptoms and people now tell me I am lucky that I was diagnosed. I tend to agree as I am under the NHS and they treat me every three months. I get tested to make sure my cancer is under control.”

He also highlighted a stark hole in healthcare provision, noting that prostate cancer stays the only major cancer in the UK without a complete national screening programme.

Ben is now calling for that to change, urging males to verify their risk and converse to docs even if they really feel completely healthy.

His announcement triggered an speedy wave of help from fellow contestants, many of whom shaped close bonds during their time on the show.

Winner Rachel Duffy wrote: “Ben you are amazing.” Roxy added: “Love to you Ben, great that you’re raising much needed awareness here.”

Secret Traitor Fiona Hughes posted: “Sending you lots of cwtches Ben – so lovely of you to share your story and raising awareness.”

Ben was one of the Faithful gamers in the collection but exited early after being “murdered” in episode three, ending twentieth out of the 24 contestants.

While his time on screen was temporary, his diagnosis locations him among a quantity of figures related to the programme who have confronted critical cancer battles.

Series three contestant Livi Deane has spoken publicly about surviving retinoblastoma, a uncommon childhood eye cancer that led to the elimination of her eye as a teenager.

She has since turn out to be an advocate for survivors and shared her experiences in a memoir about life after treatment.

Leanne Quigley’s fiancée, Sophie Jones, was identified with grade-three breast cancer in July 2024 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy before being declared cancer-free earlier this yr. The couple have since used their platform to help fundraising for Cancer Research UK.

Comedian Alan Carr, who later appeared in a superstar version of the show, has also championed cancer awareness causes, supporting the charity Solving Kids’ Cancer UK to spotlight neuroblastoma, a uncommon kind of the disease affecting youngsters.