Wayne Sleep, the former Royal Ballet dancer and I'm A Celebrity star, has revealed he has been undergoing cancer treatment since the summer. The 78-year-old shared the news in a heartfelt social media post after followers noticed he had not been looking quite like his usual self.
Wanting to reassure those who had expressed concern, Sleep explained that his treatment appeared to be working and he was hopeful about making a full recovery.
Treatment and Thanks to Royal Marsden
In his post, Sleep wrote: "A few people have commented that I haven't been looking quite my usual self recently, so I thought I would share an update. Since the summer, I have been undergoing treatment for cancer.
"I'm pleased to say that the treatment appears to be working, and I am on the mend thanks to all at the Royal Marsden and am looking forward to getting back to full strength.
"I'm in good spirits and feeling positive about the future. Thank you to everyone for their kindness and concern. Photo here on Friday at Kew Gardens looking at the wonderful Henry Moore exhibition. Much love, Wayne x"
Fans were quick to rally around the star, flooding his post with messages of support and well wishes following his announcement.
Previous Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
The latest health update comes 11 years after Sleep was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He previously spoke candidly about his experience in an interview with the Mirror in 2016, revealing that doctors had first noticed his PSA levels were raised in 2010.
He was advised to continue having regular tests over the following years, but in April 2015 his levels had climbed noticeably. After waiting three months for another test, the results remained high, prompting further investigations.
Recalling the moment he received the news, Sleep said: "In July, the levels were still high, and so I had another MRI and biopsy. This time I was told I had prostate cancer.
"Those words shake you to your core. My doctor said they had caught it early and outlined the options."
Choosing Brachytherapy
He was offered radiotherapy, which would have meant several hospital visits, but was also preparing to film The Real Marigold Hotel in India and did not want to miss out. Instead, he chose brachytherapy, which involves tiny radioactive pellets being placed into the prostate to kill the cancer.
"The other option we discussed was brachytherapy where tiny radioactive pellets are put into the prostate to kill the cancer. So I went for that. I didn't really discuss my illness with many people," he added.
Sleep is well known to reality TV fans, having competed on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2003, finishing fourth. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 and was a judge on ITV's Stepping Out alongside Mel B and Jason Gardiner in 2013. Away from reality TV, he starred in BBC's The Real Marigold Hotel and later travelled with Miriam Margolyes, Rosemary Shrager and Bobby George for The Real Marigold Tour.
