TV chef Tim Bilton has announced that his stage 4 cancer is now dormant, following a 13-year struggle with the disease. The 54-year-old, known for appearances on the BBC's Great British Menu and Channel 5's On the Farm, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post yesterday.
Diagnosis and Terminal Prognosis
Bilton was first diagnosed with a rare type of melanoma in 2013 after his wife Adele noticed an unusual shadow in his eye. At the time, he was preparing to open his second restaurant and aiming for a Michelin star. In 2019, despite years of treatment, he was told the disease had returned as stage four cancer and was considered terminal.
Emotional Social Media Announcement
Sharing an image of himself hugging Adele, Bilton wrote: 'My stage 4 cancer is dormant.' He paid tribute to his wife and their sons Henry and Charlie, adding: 'If you're reading this, there is still hope… so hope really did carry us through.' Thanking his oncologist, he continued: 'Thank you to my amazing oncologist who has never given up on me, even on the days when my body and mind had.'
Impact of Cancer
Bilton described the past 13 years as 'utter rubbish' and said his body has been 'to hell and back'. 'To be honest, I'm not the man I was before my diagnosis,' he wrote. 'I don't look the same, I don't talk the same, I can't eat the things I use to love, my taste buds aren't what they we're, my jaw and knee are buggered… I could go on. But more importantly I'm still here and have been able to see my boys grow. Cancer has been cruel yes 100% but I can honestly say it's made me a better man.'
Clear Scans and Sign-Off
In the post, Bilton revealed: 'Today we had an emotional phone call to say all my recent scans are clear and my stage 4 cancer is dormant. 13 years on and I have been signed off… it's over for now. Grateful, scared, emotional and not sure what to feel.'
Support from Fans and Friends
Messages of support have flooded in from fans and friends, including Helen Skelton, who worked with Bilton on On the Farm. She commented: 'Wonderful news for a wonderful man,' adding four love hearts.
