Escape to the Country presenter Nicki Chapman has opened up about the moment she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, describing how she was left 'on my hands and knees sobbing'. The 59-year-old television personality shared her experience during an appearance on HELLO!'s Second Act podcast.
Chapman, who is a familiar face on the BBC property show, explained that her health ordeal began after she suffered a seizure. Doctors initially suspected a stroke, but further tests revealed a benign brain tumour. 'I'd had a seizure and I knew something was wrong,' she said. 'They thought I'd had a stroke, but it was actually a brain tumour. I was on my hands and knees sobbing. I just wanted it to be gone.'
The former music executive, who helped launch the careers of acts such as the Spice Girls and Take That, was diagnosed in 2019. Despite the risks associated with surgery, Chapman said she drew inspiration from retired champion jockey Frankie Dettori's positive attitude. 'I made my peace that, if I don't wake up tomorrow, I've had the most wonderful life and I am grateful,' she reflected. 'Touching wood, I'm here, happy and healthy. I can't ask for more than that. I might not have made it to 60.'
Chapman has since returned to presenting Escape to the Country, where she helps prospective buyers find rural properties. She also looked back on her time as a judge on Pop Idol, defending the show against criticism of reality talent competitions. 'We weren't brutal,' she said. 'I think it'd be fair to say that shows after [Pop Idol] were different. We were genuinely looking for talent.'
Now fully recovered, Chapman said she prioritises enjoying life rather than worrying about ageing. 'You're always going to age, so take the best bits of it,' she advised. 'We're lucky we're here. I'm in a good place.'
