Former Strictly Come Dancing star Trishna Bharadia has revealed she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent major surgery that left her with metal plates and screws in her head. The 44-year-old health advocate, who appeared on The People's Strictly For Comic Relief in 2015, shared the news on Instagram on July 16, 2026.
Devastating Diagnosis on Top of Multiple Sclerosis
Bharadia, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at age 28, said in her Instagram post: "So the universe thought that multiple sclerosis wasn't enough for my brain to contend with, and two months ago I had surgery for a type of brain tumour. I'm recovering well with support at home, and the surgeon is pleased with how it went." She added: "I can absolutely say I'm a bionic woman now, as I have metal plates and screws in my head."
The TV star thanked her neurosurgeon for performing the "major operation" and her twin sister, who "was literally by my side for everything before and after, including when I was taken down to the theatre, making sure I didn't descend into a crazy mess of panic." She noted: "Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, but I'm getting there."
Outpouring of Support from Fans
Fans quickly flooded the comments with messages of support. One wrote: "Sending prayer and positive thoughts for your healing." Another said: "Oh my goodness. So sorry to hear this. Can't believe you've had to deal with this on top of MS." A third commented: "I am so sorry to read this, sending you lots of healing and happy vibes. Keep being a warrior." A fourth added: "Oh my goodness, Trishna - sending you heaps of positive thoughts - take care of yourself, and I'm glad your recovery is going well." A fifth wrote: "Gosh, Trishna, only just saw this. So shocked but also glad to read you're on the other side of the op. Sending lots of love & healing prayers for your recovery."
Background: Dancing for Disability
Bharadia appeared on The People's Strictly For Comic Relief in 2015, a special edition of the BBC dance competition featuring non-celebrities. She danced alongside professional Aljaž Škorjanec to raise awareness for disability, as she had been living with multiple sclerosis since her diagnosis at 28. Her participation aimed to highlight that people with disabilities can achieve remarkable things.
