Big Brother legend Jon Tickle has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, and has reunited with his series four housemates in London. The 52-year-old rose to fame 23 years ago on the hit reality TV show.
The reunion was a joyful occasion for the former contestants, but one admitted it was tinged with sadness, as Jon's diagnosis came just months ago. The disease causes muscle weakness and gets worse over a few months or years, is usually life-shortening, and currently has no cure.
Reunion Announcement on Instagram
Former contestant Ray Shah shared the news on Instagram alongside a snap of the London reunion, writing: "It has taken us 23 years but we finally got to have a big brother reunion with most of the gang."
He added: "For those that don’t know, we were Big Brother 4…one of the OG’s. What a great laugh we had meeting up last night in London."
Ray continued: "There’s a touch of sadness to it though as Jon Tickle was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease a few months ago but fair play to Sissy, she helped get us all together."
Jon Tickle's Diagnosis and Fundraising
Jon announced his condition on LinkedIn in September, stating: "Earlier this year I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Motor Neurone Disease (MND/ALS)." He praised the MND Association, saying they "have already been wonderfully helpful and as time goes on, their support will become more and more important to me, so I'd like to give something back in advance."
He has been fundraising since, and in September, posting on X, he said: "Mission accomplished: on Friday 25th September 2026, the NOBSON Cycling Club rode up the Col du Galibier in aid of the MNDA Association."
Housemates' Reactions and Jon's Career
Ray ended his social media post by saying the group won't be waiting as long for their next catch up, adding: "Planning the next meet up already and we will get EVERYONE back this time." In the comments, fellow star Justine Sellman said: "Omg it was such a magical night seeing everyone again! Big hugs and love to our very special friends group xxx."
Jon earned a degree in physics from the University of Leicester before entering the house in 2003. He was voted out on day 29, but came out on top in a viewer vote to return, becoming the first ever contestant to re-enter the house, although he wasn't allowed to win the prize.
He went on to host Brainiac: Science Abuse on Sky One, and is also a patron of SATRO, a charity that aims to inspire young people to engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
