Richard Madeley has revealed he had a terrifying cancer scare last year, which led to a six-month battle to regain his health.
The TV presenter – who famously presented The Richard and Judy Show with wife Judy Finnegan – said he began feeling ill last autumn.
“I’m very lucky in that I’ve been healthy all my life,” he told The Mirror. “Every morning I’ve woken up feeling as I did aged 20. But last autumn I woke up feeling absolutely terrible.”
The star revealed he suffered for repeated 24 hour periods with “really unpleasant” flu-like symptoms such as “aching, throbbing” and “lights before my eyes.”
Richard admitted it took him a few months to give in and visit a doctor, who then sent him for blood testing and a full-body scan.
“They did some blood tests but still couldn’t figure it out and thought I might have some primary tumours causing my immune system to break down.”
Although Richard was given the cancer all-clear, doctors discovered fluid on his lung. “I saw a consultant and it turns out I’d had low-level pneumonia for about six months which kept coming back.”
As well as opening up about his health, Richard also revealed his secret to a strong marriage – he and Judy celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary next year. “You’ve got to be committed – in it for the long-haul,” said the presenter.
