Strictly star flooded with support from worried fans as they share health update amid cancer battle
ASTROLOGER Russell Grant has been inundated with support after his latest update on his fight against brain cancer.
The 73-year-old star shared in March 2023 he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, and has been keeping fans updated ever since.
Russell, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2011, has continued to share his astrology readings and has been determined to remain upbeat in the months that have followed.
But in his latest post earlier this week, he revealed that treatment has come with some unexpected side effects and a new medical issue.
Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), Russell wrote: “Morning. The latest news on my post pituitary brain tumour operation is the possibility I have returned to being diabetic.
“I was once Type 2 but controlled it by diet. However, it’s possible taking so many steroids to keep me going they’ve increased my blood sugar.”
He added he was getting tests today to determine for sure what’s going on.
The star was inundated with support from well-wishers hoping the best for him in the face of his latest development.
One wrote: “Hope all goes well, fingers crossed your blood sugars stay stable, and no need for medication x”
“When I do the @DiabetesUK London Wellness Walk in September I’ll walk for you too,” wrote a second.
While a third wrote: “Sending [love] and wishes that the tests show a better result and blood sugar goes down.”
“Oooh Russel, love and prayers being cosmically thrown out there just for you mister, keep happy, healthy and prosperous for many years ahead,.. muchos amigo!” noted a fourth.
Russell has been a longtime TV astrologer and regularly posts horoscope reports and updates.
In 2011, he cemented himself as a Strictly icon after being “shot out of a cannon” at the start of one hilarious dance routine.
11 little known signs and risk factors for type 2 diabetes
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:
1. peeing more than usual
2. feeling thirsty all the time
3. feeling very tired
4. losing weight without trying to
5. itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
6. cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
7. blurred vision
You’re more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
8. are over 40 years old, or over 25 if you’re from an Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean ethnic background
9. have a close relative with diabetes (such as a parent, brother or sister)
10. are overweight or living with obesity or are not very physically active
11. are from an Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean ethnic background
Source: The NHS
Partnered with Flavia Cacace, other fun routines including a portrayal of Aladdin for movie week and a Devil-inspired Samba for Halloween week.
The duo lasted eight weeks in the competition before being eliminated.
He returned to the dancefloor in 2012 for a Children in Need special which highlighted fan favourites from previous years.
He later appeared on Celebrity Masterchef in 2014.
In December 2022, shortly before Christmas, Russell underwent a five-hour procedure to remove a tumour from his pituitary gland, after doctors said it threatened to “blank out” his optic nerve.
The pituitary gland is a small structure, about the size of a pea, attached to the base of the brain behind the nose.
