TV’s Bill: I’ve been moved to tears by your love
Support floods in for TV Bill after he reveals cancer
EMOTIONAL Bill Turnbull has told of being “totally overwhelmed” by the thousands of messages of support after he revealed he is fighting cancer.
The Mirror reported yesterday how the TV and radio host has incurable prostate and bone cancer that have left him with a life expectancy of around 12 years.
Bill, 62, is having chemotherapy but will carry on working – and was last night seen having a go at cakemaking on Celebrity Bake Off on Channel 4 for Stand Up To Cancer.
The former BBC Breakfast star wrote online: “Totally overwhelmed by the love I’ve had, and deeply moved – to tears on occasion (well I am a bit of a softy).
“Thank you so much to everyone, it really means a lot. And guys, think of getting tested!”
Classic FM host Bill assured his fans: “I am in good spirits and hope to be around for some time yet.
“Please spare a thought though for the hundreds of people who will be told today that they have cancer.
“They are the ones who really need some love. Thank you.”
Bill told how he got his diagnosis just after joining in the charity Bake Off show, which finished filming in November. In a video message added in when it was screened last night, he told of being given the news.
He said: “I was getting pain in my legs and in my hips particularly, and I thought, ‘This is old age’.
“Eventually the pain got so bad I thought I’d better go see my GP. He said, ‘I’m just going to give you a blood test, an MOT if you like, to check a few things out’.
“The next morning he called me and asked me in pretty quickly. And the doctor said it’s fairly clear you have advanced prostate cancer.”
BBC Breakfast’s Louise Minchin reassured viewers yesterday Bill is “on really good form” after having gone public with his diagnosis.
She said: “I spoke to Bill yesterday. Anybody who has watched him over the last 15 years will know he’s an immensely optimistic person.” Her co-host Dan Walker added: “Lovely to see how many viewers have so much affection for Bill.”
On Radio 4’s Today, Nick Robinson said Bill was “putting about as brave a face on it as ever”.
And ITV’s Susanna Reid, Bill’s ex-BBC co-host, added: “Huge love to Bill. Practical, pragmatic and positive.” Bill, who has three children with wife Sarah, said of his battle: “You have to be positive.
“I’m realistic about the longterm. If it was all to end tomorrow, I’ve had a really marvellous time.”
I am in good spirits and hope to be around for some time yet BILL TURNBULL ON HIS DIAGNOSIS WITH CANCER