Noddy Holder gives first TV interview since cancer diagnosis revelation

25 October 2023 , 15:43

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Noddy Holder gives first TV interview since cancer diagnosis revelation

Noddy Holder has spoken about his cancer diagnosis in an interview for the first time, since he revealed that five years ago, he was given six months to live.

The Slade star, 77, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and doctors told him his only option was to take part in a clinical trial for a new form of chemotherapy, which had never been tried on someone over the age of 60.

Speaking to Alexis Conran on Jeremy Vine on 5 earlier today, Noddy appeared with regular show panelist and wife, Suzan. Speaking on the show, Noddy said: "I went to the Christie hospital in Manchester, and I said 'Is it six months? Is that the end of the line?'"

Noddy and his wife Suzan discussed the diagnosis (Channel 5)

The doctor he was speaking to told him the only other option was the new intense chemotherapy. Noddy said they told him his "positive outlook" could help him if he was to try it.

After a brief moment of indecision - one that frightened Suzan "to death" - he agreed to go ahead with the trial. Noddy explained he didn't want to be ill for his last six months, but after the doctors told him more about it, he wanted to "give it a go". Suzan added: "And thank goodness he did. It's a targeted chemotherapy now, they are able to do that and every single person reacts differently." Nodded said: "It was hard going, very hard going. But five years later I’m still standing."

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Speaking about the moment they found out the news, Suzan said she didn't take it as well as Noddy, revealing she 'fell apart'. But, she went on: "I pulled myself together as quickly as possible, I've been with him to every single appointment he's ever had."

Suzan, who married Noddy in 2004, explained: "Anyone will know who's been through a cancer diagnosis, there are lots of moments in small windowless rooms of people shaking their heads going 'I'm really sorry, but there's nothing', and that's what we were told.

Noddy was given six months to live, five years ago (Channel 5)

"So for him to be here now five years later is incredible. It's not where we thought we were going to be, but it's brilliant."

Fans were shocked when Noddy revealed last week that he'd outlived his initial prognosis and was feeling fit and healthy.

Explaining why he kept it a secret, he said: "I wanted to keep it quiet because while I was going through the treatment and getting fit again - your resistance is low, really low after the treatment. I didn't want to be getting calls from the media every five minutes, or people I haven't seen for 25 years. I didn't want the attention, I wanted to deal with it in my own way."

Noddy now wants to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer, which is more common in men. As with most cancers, the earlier the condition is found, the better the chance of a full recovery.

Amelia Ward