Entertainment
Strictly star thanks fans for support as he shares health struggles after brain tumour-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
He’s awaiting test results.
Strictly star Russell Grant has shared a health update with fans (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
Strictly Come Dancing star Russell Grant has thanked fans for support after sharing his health struggles.
The 73-year-old astrologer underwent surgery towards the end of 2022 for a brain tumour, and had a growth on his pituitary gland removed.
He’s since been sharing updates with fans on social media, and recently revealed he has ‘returned to being diabetic’.
Russell, who appeared on Strictly in 2011 with pro partner Flavia Cacace, wrote on X: ‘Morning. The latest news on my post pituitary brain tumour operation is the possibility I have returned to being diabetic.
‘I was once Type 2 but controlled it by diet. However, it’s possible taking so many steroids to keep me going they’ve increased my blood sugar.’
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Following support from fans, Russell later added: ‘Lots of love to you all who posted messages of support and affection. My appreciation and thanks knows no bounds. I now wait for the results.’
Russell has his brain tumour removed in 2022 (Picture: X)
Last year, Russell spoke about being ‘in denial’ over his brain tumour, before the gruelling six-hour operation in November 2022 which his family and friends encouraged him to undertake.
‘But I was in denial,’ he told The Mirror. ‘I was so scared.
‘Then one day I had a Zoom call with my neurosurgeon Professor Omar Pathmanaban. He was lovely, so reassuring.
‘But what topped it off was he then said, “It would be an honour and a privilege to take away your tumour… when I was a kid my mother and I used to watch you every morning on breakfast telly. It made me late for school.”‘
Russell previously spoke about being ‘in denial’ over his brain tumour (Picture: S Meddle/ITV/Shutterstock)
The astrologer appeared on Strictly in 2011 alongside pro dancer Flavia Cacace (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
Russell had been told that the tumour, which was pressing on his optic nerve, could make him lose his sight.
‘What I wanted to do was run away into the mountains like Heidi,’ he added.
He had been warned not to sneeze, blow his nose or travel for the next six months to avoid post-surgery complications.
Following his surgery, he stated he kept his health battles private because he ‘didn’t want a fuss’.
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