'I'm a Celebrity' Star Wayne Sleep Reveals Cancer Diagnosis 11 Years After Prostate Cancer Battle
Former 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' star Wayne Sleep has revealed he is undergoing cancer treatment, saying he remains positive and that his treatment appears to be working.
The 78-year-old entertainer shared the update on Instagram on Sunday, 1 November, after noticing comments from followers about his recent appearance. He said he had been receiving treatment since the summer but did not disclose the type of cancer he was diagnosed with.
'A few people have commented that I haven't been looking quite my usual self recently, so I thought I would share an update,' Sleep wrote.
'Since the summer, I have been undergoing treatment for cancer.'
Despite the health challenges, the former Royal Ballet dancer offered an encouraging update, saying his treatment 'appears to be working'. He thanked staff at the Royal Marsden for their care and said he was 'on the mend', adding that he hoped to regain his full strength.
'I'm in good spirits and feeling positive about the future,' he said, thanking supporters for their kindness and concern.
Wayne Sleep's Previous Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Sleep's announcement comes 11 years after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, a condition he previously discussed publicly while reflecting on his treatment and recovery.
In a 2016 interview with The Mirror, he said doctors first identified elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in 2010, prompting further monitoring and tests.
His levels became noticeably elevated in April 2015. After remaining high during another test three months later, he underwent an MRI scan and biopsy in July, which confirmed prostate cancer.
Sleep considered the treatment options available before choosing brachytherapy. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources inside the prostate to deliver radiation directly to the cancerous tissue.
He previously explained that he wanted to avoid repeated hospital visits because he was preparing to film 'The Real Marigold Hotel' in India.
Sleep has not disclosed the type of cancer he is currently being treated for, and there is no public confirmation that it is related to his previous prostate cancer diagnosis.
How Common Is Prostate Cancer in the UK?
Although Sleep's latest diagnosis remains undisclosed, his previous experience highlights a disease that affects thousands of men across the UK.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, more than 68,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, while more than 12,000 die from the disease each year. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and the disease is more common among older men. Having a family history of prostate cancer and being Black are also recognised risk factors.
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland begin growing uncontrollably. The gland sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Possible symptoms include difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, blood in the urine or semen, and persistent pain in the back, hips or pelvis. However, prostate cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms, particularly in its early stages.
Sleep has not shared further details about his current treatment, but his latest message suggests he remains hopeful about his recovery.