Big Brother legend Jon Tickle reunited with his former co-stars this weekend after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The 52-year-old took part in the fourth series of the hit show in 2003 during its initial Channel 4 run, which also included Ray Shah, Scott Turner, Steph Coldicott and eventual victor Cameron Stout in its line-up.
Jon was famously allowed to re-enter the house again following his eviction after winning a public vote to return, although he was not eligible to win. The cast reunited for a meal together over the weekend, over two decades later, with Ray sharing photos of them together on Instagram, and touching on Jon’s health in the caption.
Reunion after 23 years
Ray wrote on social media on Sunday: ‘It has taken us 23 years but we finally got to have a Big Brother reunion with most of the gang. 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.
‘There’s a touch of sadness to it though as Jon Tickle was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease a few months ago but fair play to Sissy (Joanne Rooney), she helped get us all together.’ He added: ‘Planning the next meet up already and we will get EVERYONE back this time. Until next time legends.’
Fellow housemate Justine Sellman commented: ‘Omg it was such a magical night seeing everyone again! Big hugs and love to our very special friends group xxx.’ ‘So very gorgeous to see you all – 23 years has flown by. Let’s not leave it as long next time! Xx,’ posted producer Kerry Allison.
MND diagnosis and fundraising
MND is a terminal condition that destroys the nerves in the brain and spinal cord and ultimately robs those suffering of the ability to move, eat and breathe. There is currently no cure for the disease.
Jon previously made his diagnosis public in September on X, when he revealed he would be ‘cycling up the Col du Galbier in a few weeks’ time to raise money for @mndassoc’ as he had been diagnosed with MND earlier this year. ‘As you may be able to tell from my voice, I have Motor Neurone Disease, and so your help to fundraise for the MND Association is really, really appreciated,’ he explained in a video message just days ahead of the challenge.
‘My left leg now puts out less than half the power than it used to do, so it’s going to be a long ride up the mountain for me – but I will get it done.’ He then later confirmed that the ride in the French Alps had been successful, with the team exceeding their £25,000 target.
Career reflections
Jon, who went on to feature on the Sky science series Brainiac alongside Top Gear star Richard Hammond and then later Vic Reeves, previously suggested that finding fame on Big Brother was a double-edged sword; he argued it opened him up to exciting opportunities – but to the detriment of his health and academic career prospects.
The physics graduate told The Guardian newspaper in 2018: ‘My raised profile led to me co-presenting seven series of the award-winning TV show Brainiac: Science Abuse, and that earned me the privilege of discussing science policy with Sir David Attenborough at No 10. On the other hand, during five time-poor years of living a double life as both a scientist and a TV presenter, I relied on a convenience-food diet that resulted in the removal of my gall bladder.’
Jon claimed he was ‘certain that my career would have progressed further had I focused on it in my early 30s’. He added: ‘Sometimes I wish that some of my colleagues wouldn’t introduce me as, “This is Jon – he’s walked on custard”, but rather as my ex-boss did at an industry conference last week: “This is Jon, he’s an excellent enterprise information architect”.’
