Comedian to perform at Edinburgh Fringe while still learning to walk after cancer-Rebecca Sayce-Entertainment – Metro

Absolute Radio host Matt Forde will bring his new show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Picture: Ash Knotek/REX/Shutterstock)

Matt Forde will be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe this year after having part of his spine removed to treat cancer.

The comedian, known for shows such as Spitting Image, will return to the festival this year, following his cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

At last year’s festival, the political satirist, 41, thought he was suffering from sciatica, but later found out it was a cancerous tumour at the base of his spine.

He then had part of his spine removed to remove the growth and has spent the subsequent months recovering and relearning how to walk.

The Absolute Radio host has now returned to work and will perform his new show, The End Of An Era, from August 1 to 25 at the Pleasance Beyond venue during the festival.

Speaking about his return to the festival, he said he cannot wait to perform despite ‘returning to the place where his life turned upside down.’

The comedian announced his diagnosis last year after suffering from back pain (Picture: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images for BAUER)

‘After my final show there, I was told I had cancer. Instead of going on tour, I was being carved open to have the base of my spine removed,’ he continued in a statement.

‘Now I know how turkeys feel. And it was in the run-up to Christmas. I’m learning to walk again and with the help of two fantastic helpers (sticks), I will be back at on stage.’

He added: ‘When I was laid in that hospital bed in excruciating pain, the only thought on my mind was “at least I’ll get a show out of this.”

‘Then I’d remember that I’m a political comedian and I’d think “Oh well, at least people don’t have to hear me do a show about this.”‘

Sharing the news of his cancer last year, Matt thanked fans for their well wishes after they inundated him with support.

‘It’s caused by a spine tumour,’ he wrote on social media.

‘I need surgery so I’ll be off for a bit. I’ll record some shows to cover the gap (subscribe wherever you get your podcasts). I’ll be fine. In the words of Steve Cooper, I’ll trust the process.’

In a separate post, he continued: ‘I’m overwhelmed by all your messages. Thank you so much.

‘I feel a bit young to be dealing with this, but hopefully that will aid my recovery.

‘I know the hardest stuff is still to come but my advice so far is: if you have something wrong, go to the doctor. Catch it early.’

He also sent his own well wishes to fellow comedian Mark Steel, who was also diagnosed with cancer around the same time.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More