Edward Grimes, one half of the pop duo Jedward, has revealed that he was secretly dealing with a health scare during his time on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017. The 33-year-old singer said doctors told him he might have cancer after he fell and injured his back just before entering the house.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, Edward explained that he had to go to hospital for tests following the fall, where he received a 'scary diagnosis' that he could have cancer. He admitted that the fear played on his mind throughout his entire stay on the show, but he did not tell his fellow housemates or viewers.
It was only after leaving the house a month later that Edward was given the all-clear. He said: 'I went through the experience thinking I was going to die.' At the time, he downplayed the incident in the Diary Room, joking about his flat hair and saying: 'Five seconds on the show and I’ve hurt myself!'
The twins appeared on Celebrity Big Brother twice, finishing third in 2011 and as runners-up in 2017 behind Coleen Nolan. The 2017 series was notable for explosive clashes between Kim Woodburn and other housemates, including Coleen Nolan and Nicola McLean.
Jedward also claimed that producers hoped for showmances inside the house, with Edward adding: 'There are lots of condoms in there – they have a stash in the bathroom.' The show was axed by Channel 5 in 2018 but revived by ITV in 2024.
