Ed Balls disclosed his prostate cancer test results on Friday's edition of Good Morning Britain, crediting guest Johnny Ball for inspiring him to get checked. The former Labour MP appeared via video message during the ITV programme, hosted by Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh.
Balls explained that after Johnny Ball spoke candidly about his own prostate cancer diagnosis on a previous GMB appearance, he decided to contact his GP. 'I emailed my GP. I got an appointment with the nurse at the practice, [I had] a little pinprick on my finger when I went to visit,' he said.
The test results, accessed via the NHS app, showed a low but normal reading. 'The result on the NHS app about 48 hours later [showed] a low result, but normal - the bottom of the range. So, [that was] hugely reassuring, all thanks to you,' Balls told Johnny Ball.
Johnny Ball, who was diagnosed in August 2022 and underwent three months of radiotherapy, expressed delight at the news. 'Wonderful. That's good, because had it been more serious, the first thing [that] would have [happened] was an anal examination,' he said. He confirmed he was cleared of cancer by Christmas 2022.
The segment aimed to encourage men to get tested for prostate cancer, with Balls urging others to follow his example. Johnny Ball also addressed speculation about his daughter Zoe Ball potentially hosting Strictly Come Dancing, stating he had no knowledge of any decisions.
