Escape to the Country presenter Nicki Chapman has opened up about the terrifying moment she learned she had a brain tumour, revealing she was left 'on my hands and knees sobbing' after receiving the diagnosis. The television and radio star, a familiar face to daytime viewers through her work on the long-running BBC property programme, shared her health battle during an appearance on HELLO!'s Second Act podcast with Aled Jones.
The Diagnosis and Emotional Aftermath
Nicki, 59, explained that the ordeal began when she suffered a seizure and feared something was seriously wrong. '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 industry executive, who helped guide the careers of major acts including the Spice Girls, Take That and S Club 7 before moving into television, was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in 2019.
Facing Surgery with Courage
Doctors warned the broadcaster that there were serious risks attached to surgery to remove the tumour. However, the presenter said she drew inspiration from retired champion jockey Frankie Dettori's positive outlook before undergoing the operation. Reflecting on her mindset at the time, she said: 'I made my peace that, if I don't wake up tomorrow, I've had the most wonderful life and I am grateful. Touching wood, I'm here, happy and healthy. I can't ask for more than that. I might not have made it to 60.'
Return to Television and New Series
Nicki has since returned to television and remains one of the best-known faces on Escape to the Country, where she helps house hunters search for their dream homes in some of Britain's most picturesque rural locations. In April, viewers were handed good news as filming began on a fresh series of the BBC favourite. Nicki shared the update on social media, posting behind-the-scenes photos from the programme's latest shoot. Alongside the images, she wrote: 'We are back! So excited. Filming a brand new series of @escape_country - starting this week in glorious Cheshire. The 5-bar gate lean has returned.' She also invited prospective applicants to take part, adding: 'Need our help? Go on... Why not apply online to bbc.co.uk/takepart, and we could be helping you fulfil that dream of a new life in the countryside or by the coast? We would love to help you discover the most beautiful parts of the UK, show you gorgeous villages & market towns, walks & bridle paths to explore, secluded coves & sandy beaches... the list is endless & we know where they are (well most of them!) plus some stunning homes too.'
Reflections on Pop Idol and Ageing
Elsewhere in the interview, the broadcaster reflected on her years in the entertainment industry, including her time as a judge on Pop Idol, the ITV talent show that launched the careers of Will Young and Gareth Gates. Addressing criticism of reality television talent contests, she insisted the atmosphere on Pop Idol differed from some later programmes. '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 from her operation, the TV star said she focuses on enjoying life rather than worrying about ageing. 'You're always going to age, so take the best bits of it,' she said. 'We're lucky we're here. I'm in a good place.'
