Clive Myrie's Health Struggles: From Neck Scar to Family Concerns
BBC News and Mastermind host Clive Myrie has candidly discussed significant health issues that have visibly affected him during television appearances, prompting concern from viewers and leading to profound personal reflections.
The Visible Scar and Benign Tumour Diagnosis
Observant viewers have noticed a distinctive scar on Clive Myrie's neck during recent broadcasts, alongside occasional drooping of one eye. The 61-year-old broadcaster has now revealed these physical signs stem from a health battle that began in 2019.
Speaking on the Desperately Seeking Wisdom podcast, Myrie explained that doctors discovered a benign tumour behind his left ear, approximately the size of a squash ball. "I had a tumour behind my left ear, which was benign thankfully, so I didn't have chemotherapy or anything, I just had it cut out," he stated.
The surgical removal of this growth left the visible neck scar that has drawn viewer attention. Myrie reflected on how this medical episode changed his perspective: "Every little sort of kink or little bit of pain here or there, you think more about, it's more in your mind as you get older."
Mortality Reflections and Family Fears
The diagnosis prompted deeper contemplation about life and legacy for the veteran journalist. "You don't want to leave this life behind because it's been a good one," Myrie acknowledged during the podcast interview.
More significantly, his thoughts turned to his loved ones, particularly his long-term wife Catherine Myrie. "I've started to think about what it's going to be like for them if I'm not here," he revealed. "The idea of not being part of this life on a number of levels is sobering."
The Droopy Eye Concern and Medical Explanation
Separately, viewers expressed concern last year when they noticed what appeared to be a drooping eye during Myrie's news bulletins. The presenter later clarified this was caused by an infection rather than a serious condition.
Posting on social media platform X at the time, Myrie humorously mentioned considering an eye patch on air, but noted "the boss said no." Medical experts subsequently explained that eyelid drooping, known medically as ptosis, affects approximately one in five adults over age seventy.
Dr Alasdair Scott, science director at Selph, elaborated: "As we age, the skin and muscles around the eyes stretch and weaken causing drooping of the eyelid. Anything that causes swelling around the eye – such as trauma or infection – can lead to ptosis."
Dangerous Assignments and Previous Goodbye Letters
This isn't the first time Myrie has confronted mortality during his distinguished career. The broadcaster has reported from numerous conflict zones, including joining 40 Commando Royal Marines during the 2003 Iraq invasion and delivering frontline reports from Ukraine during Russia's ongoing invasion.
Reflecting on particularly dangerous assignments, Myrie admitted to writing a "goodbye" letter to his family, acknowledging the risks inherent in warzone journalism. These experiences, combined with his recent health challenges, have contributed to his heightened awareness of life's fragility.
Despite these health concerns, Myrie continues his broadcasting work, currently fronting the new BBC travel series Clive Myrie's African Adventure, which airs on BBC Two. His openness about these personal health matters has provided insight into the human experiences behind the familiar television presence.
