Television personality Johnny Ball has revealed for the first time that he underwent treatment for prostate cancer after receiving his diagnosis in August 2022.
The 87-year-old broadcaster completed a three-month course of daily radiation therapy beginning in September of that year.
"I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022 and, thankfully, after three months of daily radiation treatment, starting in the September, I'm through it, I'm fine," Mr Ball told The Mirror.
The former Play School presenter, who first appeared on television screens in 1967, has successfully overcome the disease. He undergoes yearly health examinations and has now confirmed his recovery following the intensive treatment programme.
Johnny Ball (right) was diagnosed with prostate cancer
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Mr Ball chose to keep his diagnosis private until now, revealing his health battle for the first time yesterday.
The veteran broadcaster reflected on fellow entertainers who lost their lives to the same illness, including comedy legend Harry Secombe, who passed away in 2001 aged 79, and game show host Bob Monkhouse, who died in 2003 at 75.
"My friend Harry Secombe didn't survive it, Bob Monkhouse didn't survive it. I'm 20 years younger than them and I am lucky, because now we can cure it," Mr Ball said.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive outlook following his diagnosis and treatment. "You've got to cash in on what's wonderful about life today and stop dwelling on what's dreary and depressing," he told the publication.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Johnny Ball and his daughter Zoe
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Mr Ball's radiation therapy involved daily hospital visits over a three-month period, beginning in September 2022.
Mr Ball has been a source of strength for his daughter Zoe Ball following the death of her mother, Julia Peckham, from pancreatic cancer in April 2024. The BBC Radio 2 presenter's mother passed away just 12 weeks after receiving her diagnosis.
The broadcaster remains professionally active at 87, continuing to deliver educational presentations in schools and on stage. Last year, in an interview with GB News, Mr Ball opened up on why he felt now was the time to release his very own autobiography.
At the time, Mr Ball explained he had to split his life story across two books, meaning the second remains in the pipeline.
Johnny Ball has been a familiar face on-screen for decades
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Mr Ball didn't disclose his health woes at the time, but reflecting on his life, he did delve into one "frightening" aspect he's witnessed over the years take hold on areas like comedy.
He said: "(Comedy) always echoes the times, and you need to meet the audience on their terms, which is their present-day thinking. You do need to do that. That's the worry for me about modern comedians is how do you toe the line?
Johnny Ball discusses the motivation behind his new book
"People say so many things that are taboo, but there was nothing taboo in our day! It never occurred to us to go beyond a certain level. I never, ever swore, not one word, but I did find ways to be cheeky and then apologise.
"(Cancel culture) is frightening. People aren't thinking," Ball continued before delving into some profound words from his father that he feels bear relevance today.
Mr Ball explained further: "When I went into the RAF, I was 18, and I was eventually leaving home, going to the big, wide world, right? And my dad took my hand on the station at Bolton as I got on the train, and he thought what to say to his son, right?
"And he said, 'Always do what's right', and that's it. And that is the sum, top, middle, bottom of both sides, always do what's right. When it comes to things like religion, I say religion is here in your heart. It's not to do with any rules and regulations of a particular religion, it's in your heart. And if love is in your heart, then you'll be nice and decent to other people, and hopefully, they'll be decent to you.
"That's the way to progress for young people. That's what I believe. I do try to be philosophical because I always have been philosophical, and I try that, and comedy is the root of it. You've got to have an angle.
"You've got to have something that's funny, and you've got to have a funny attitude to life."
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