Johnny Ball reveals all

Kids' TV favourite 'fine' as he shares cancer diagnosis

- SANJEETA BAINS

CHILDREN'S TV legend Johnny Ball has revealed he has been battling prostate cancer for three years.

The 87-year-old says he has responded well to radiation treatment after being diagnosed in August 2022, adding: "I'm through it, I'm fine." But he does not take surviving prostate cancer for granted.

Speaking to our sister paper the Mirror, he said: "My friend Harry Secombe didn't survive it, Bob Monkhouse didn't survive it.

"I'm 20 years younger than them and I am lucky, because now we can cure it." Goon Show star Harry died in 2001 aged 79, while game show host Bob was 75 when he died two years later.

Reflecting on their deaths, Johnny said: "You've got to cash in on what's wonderful about life today and stop dwelling on what's dreary and depressing." Johnny, who has been married to Dianne for 50 years, revealed he is following a strict daily diet and exercise routine in a bid to stay healthy.

He said: "First, I do a simple bending and stretching routine that lasts about two-and-a-half minutes, the speed I do it at.

"And then I lift my two 2kg dumbbells for two-and-a-half minutes.

"For breakfast [I have] cereal with prunes... it keeps me going!" And every night he drinks beer.

He added: "I always have two pints, never any more than that.

"Dianne can always tell if I have had even half a pint more I start arguing with the TV.

Johnny became famous in 1967 for hosting pre-school favourite Play School on the BBC. He went on to have a long career in TV, including award-winning kids' maths and science series Think of a Number and Johnny Ball Reveals All.