Rhod Gilbert made an emotional return to our TV screens this week as he spoke about his cancer diagnosis and everything he went through with it. The comedian appeared alongside former EastEnders star Danny Dyer, TV presenter Leigh Francis and BBC Radio 1's Yinka Bokinni on last night's (March 24) fundraising special of The Great Celebrity Bake Off.
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The Taskmaster star broke down in tears during filming for The Great British Bake Off's Stand Up To Cancer as he tried to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith - who made a confession about her extramarital love.
‘I’m lucky to be here’ says Rhod Gilbert
In 2022, Gilbert was diagnosed with a rare form of head and neck cancer. He discovered a lump on his neck and discovered during a biopsy that he had cancer. Since the diagnosis, he underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and was given an ‘all clear’ sign in 2023.
He described his all-clear sign as a ‘relief’ but still feels ‘lucky’ to be alive, reports The Express. Appearing on the Cancer special episode of the GBBO, he confessed:
For me, it is quite emotional just to be here because the fact is I am lucky to be here at all. I realised when I got cancer that I had been plodding along through my life thinking 'other people get cancer'.
Gilbert explained that every one in two people have a chance of getting some form of cancer during their lifetime. He said:
One in two of us is going to get some form of cancer in our lifetimes, that is pretty shocking and frightening.
He appreciated the GBBO’s attempt to raise money for cancer research and spread awareness. Did you know even some multivitamins can increase the risk of cancer by 30%?
A look inside Rhod’s cancer journey
Rhod’s cancer journey is one of the most ironic ones out there. He discovered his lump while he was on a cancer fundraising trek across Cuba for a small cancer centre in Cardiff-Velindre. Rhod had been an ambassador for the centre for over a decade. According to The Express, he has previously joked about how he went on the trek as a patron for the centre and came back as a patient.
His rare form of cancer caused him many issues including trouble in breathing and speaking. The comedian had ‘terrible’ spasms in his face and feared that radiotherapy could save his life but end his career. Gilbert documented his entire cancer journey in Channel 4’s documentary Rhod Gilbert: A Pain In The Neck.
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Sources Used
The Express: Rhod Gilbert says 'I'm lucky to be here' as he breaks down in tears on Celebrity Bake Off
The Express: Inside Celebrity Bake Off star Rhod Gilbert's 'brutal' cancer battle ahead of TV return
