Henry Cole, best known as the presenter of ITV’s Motorbike Show, has announced that he has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and will undergo surgery followed by months of treatment. The 62-year-old broadcaster took to social media to share the news with his followers and revealed that he has postponed his upcoming theatre tour as a result.
In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Cole explained: “I’ve just got a little announcement, and that is, I’m terribly sorry, but I’m going to have to move the gigs this side of Christmas. The live shows will be rescheduled for after Christmas when we’ll rebook them.”
He continued: “The reason is that I’ve got a little bit of cancer down in my gut. It’s localised and easy to operate on, thankfully, and I’m told that I will make a full recovery, God willing, and be back around February.”
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Despite the diagnosis, Cole noted that his filming work is not affected, adding with his characteristic humour: “God sometimes does a small poo in your man bag, doesn’t he? But we’re going to be OK. Whatever life throws at you, you’ve got to grow old disgracefully. I’ll update you as I go. Lots of love!”
Henry Cole has hosted numerous motorbike-themed series including World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides, Shed and Buried, Junk & Disorderly, and Find It, Fix It, Flog It. While he has not specified the exact type of stomach cancer, charity Guts UK notes that the most common form found in the stomach lining is adenocarcinoma. Other less common types include gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), MALT lymphomas, and neuroendocrine tumours.
Each year, approximately 6,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with stomach cancer, which more frequently affects individuals over 45 years old, with half of cases occurring in those over 75. The condition is also more commonly found in men than women.
The NHS advises that symptoms of stomach cancer may include persistent indigestion, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and anaemia. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to see a GP promptly.
For urgent advice, people can contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111, where healthcare professionals can provide guidance and arrange further medical consultations if necessary.