Netflix's hit documentary series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has returned with a brand new season. The show follows the prestigious cheerleading squad and the lives of the women that make the team tick, from the dancers through to head choreographer Judy Trammell and director Kelli Finglass.
All episodes of Season 3 were released on June 16, but fans may not know that one of its stars recently received a cancer diagnosis that is never mentioned on the series.
Kelli Finglass, 61, shared her diagnosis via social media in February 2024 and disclosed that she had visited the doctor for a routine examination. In a video uploaded to Instagram, she stated: "Well, good morning. My grandmother, Grandma Polly, has always told me not to talk about health with people. But I'm compelled to just because I was in somewhat of a light-hearted way, letting people peek in on some cosmetic treatments that Dr Singer and I have explored. But in doing that I always have to do my skin checks. So you've all asked 'What happened with Kelli's biopsy?', so here we are fresh off the press: I got some good news and some bad news."
She then displayed five mole-like marks on her body. Four returned completely clear, but one on her forehead did not, reports the Mirror. Kelli indicated to her temple and stated: "This little guy right here. This one is squamous cell carcinoma so I get to schedule a MOHS." She was referring to a Micrographic Surgery. "I call it 'scoop and stitch'," she quipped. "They scoop out the skin and stitch you up like a football."
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a prevalent type of skin cancer that is most susceptible to areas of the skin exposed to the sun, such as the face and ears. Kelli revealed in the caption of her video that she was thankful the cancer was discovered early. She explained that she and her doctor "went in for a routine skin check before cosmetic treatments... and this is exactly why skin checks matter." She continued: "What we didn't expect to find ended up being something that truly needed attention, a Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Early detection makes all the difference - and this is your reminder that skin health always comes first. Thankful for thorough care, proactive screening, and having these conversations out loud. If you've been putting off a skin check, let this be your sign."
Supporters flooded the comments to show their backing. "So glad you were able to detect it early. thank you for sharing this," wrote one Instagram user. "This is such an important message, well done Kelli," commented another. While a third added: "Sending you giant hugs."
Kelli is most recognised as the director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, a role she has occupied since 1991. Throughout the years, she has developed the squad into a worldwide celebrated group that girls from around the globe have travelled to Texas to try out for.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call them on 0808 808 0000.
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is now streaming on Netflix.
