WATCH: GB News guest reveals stage four cancer diagnosis in heartfelt update

In a new video on social media, Mr Whittle said: "Now, over recent weeks, many thoughtful and kind people have been inquiring about my health and whether everything is as it should be.

"Well, I've been thinking that perhaps the time has come to be open and straight with you about my situation.

"Early this year, in May, I was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer. As we all know, there is no stage five.

"My cancer is apparently a very rare one and highly aggressive.

"Since that time, I have undergone chemotherapy treatments, which unfortunately have not worked.

"But there are other channels remaining and I am currently waiting on the possibility of inclusion in a clinical trial.

"All the while, I am very fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful and loving people.

"I am otherwise, oddly enough, fit and well. And other than a rather radical different hairstyle, things have remained much the same."

However, Mr Whittle also revealed that his cancer diagnosis sparked some major life changes, including bringing forward his "beautiful" Windsor wedding to his husband Kurt.

The 64-year-old also revealed the New Culture Forum, which he founded in 2006, continues "absolutely as before".

Discussing expected celebrations for the New Culture Forum's 20th anniversary next year, Mr Whittle added: "I will do my very, very best to make sure that I see you there."

Mr Whittle last appeared on GB News in May of this year, subsequently contributing to a GBN Originals video in August.

The former journalist entered politics in 2006 after unsuccessfully standing as a Conservative candidate in Greenwich.

Mr Whittle later became Ukip's cultural spokesman in 2013, receiving 15 per cent of the vote in Eltham at the 2015 General Election.

Shortly after his unsuccessful run to become an MP, Mr Whittle was unveiled as Ukip's candidate for London Mayor.

Having missed out on the top job in City Hall, Mr Whittle was elected as a London Assembly Member.

Just a few months later, Mr Whittle announced his intention to stand for Ukip leader following the short-lived tenure of Diane James.

However, Mr Whittle opted to stand as deputy leader instead.

Mr Whittle resigned from Ukip in protest of Gerard Batten's leadership in December 2018.

While sitting in City Hall, the 64-year-old served as an independent member of the London Assembly and later as leader of the Brexit Alliance group.

However, Mr Whittle announced he would not seek re-election at the 2021 London Assembly Election.

The New Culture Forum has included an array of guests since it was founded in 2006, including ex-Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, historian Sir Anthony Seldon and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.