In 2025, we have had to say goodbye to many beloved celebrities. Other stars have opened up about their health struggles, in the hope it may help others feel less alone. Stephen Fry discussed living with chronic pain since beating cancer. Lily Allen talked about her mental health issues, breaking taboo surrounding mental health in our societies.
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Actor Christopher Biggins has publicly faced several health struggles over recent years, including a major issue with his heart, which forced him to have a controversial yet seemingly effective surgery. Find out everything you need to know below.
Christopher Biggins received a pig's heart transplant
In March 2025, the Porridge actor sat down for an interview with the Daily Express. He explained having undergone an experimental operation, during which a pig's valve was transplanted into his heart. He said without this surgery, he would probably be dead by now. Christopher Biggins explained the surgery took place three years ago, and his health is doing much better since:
I am 76 and I've had a new valve put into my heart. A pigs valve. My pig's heart is fantastic. You can either have a plastic one or a pig's one and I went for the pig's one. It was about three years ago and I've just had my check up and its all A1.
The operation is experimental, meaning the actor knew he could die during the procedure but he decided to go ahead anyway, as he had no other choice. It is considered so risky that Christopher Biggins told his long-term partner Neil he was going to get a stent, virtually telling him a white lie to save him the worry. He told the Daily Express:
They actually take the heart out of your body and it sits next to you when you are lying on the operating theatre. It's a major operation but luckily I had wonderful doctors and they were terrific. It's worked out brilliantly. It saves people and makes you live longer. So we have to blame the doctors and surgeons who are keeping us all alive.
The actor has struggled with numerous health struggles over the years, one of which changed his life.
He has faced numerous health struggles over the years
The former I'm A Celeb winner was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes seven years ago. While it is absolutely possible to live a long life with the disease, by following a strict diet and taking lifelong medication, Christopher Biggins decided he wanted to get rid of it. He decided to cut orange juice from his diet completely, as it is full of sugar, whether you make it or buy it from the shops. The change led him to lose one stone. Speaking to Diabetes.co.uk, the actor and entertainer explained:
When you’re diagnosed, of course you don’t realise that sugar is everywhere. I used to drink fresh orange juice in the morning, which is like drinking two pounds of sugar. Now I drink coconut water, and I don’t get cravings.
Christopher Biggins also wants to use his platform to help others. He told Diabetes.co.uk:
If I knew someone who’d just been diagnosed with type 2 and the fear of doom was put on them I would say ‘don’t panic’. As long as you’re aware of what you eat, things can only get can better.
Biggins also revealed that he has been battling skin cancer.
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Sources used:
Surrey Live: Christopher Biggins' terrifying health diagnosis saw him lose 1st by cutting one thing from diet
Express: Christopher Biggins given pig heart after doctors removed his and placed it next to him
