ANTIQUES Roadshow star Theo Burrell has shared a candid update on her battle with terminal cancer, revealing that she’s feeling “really exhausted” ahead of her next scan.
Theo was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma in 2021, and initially given just 12 to 18 months to live.
Theo Burrell has shared an update on her cancer battle[/caption]
The Antiques Roadshow star has grade four glioblastoma[/caption]
Thankfully she has defied the odds and is still going strong nearly two and a half years later.
Taking to Instagram, the 38-year-old shared an emotional post alongside a snapshot of Dalkeith Country Park.
She reflected on the challenges of the past few weeks, writing: “The last couple of weeks have involved a lot of down time and staying at home.
“I’ve just been really exhausted and needing sleep. I’ve ventured out at the weekends with the boys, but today is my first day out and about on my own in two weeks.”
Theo admitted she’s been battling high anxiety ahead of her next scan, fearing her brain tumour may be regrowing after her September results showed changes.
She explained: “My anxiety about my next scan has been very high but after days and days of worrying about every ache and pain I decided forgetting about cancer entirely (well as much as possible) was the only way forward.
“This time next month I’ll know whether I definitely have regrowth or (what turned out to be) the mysterious enhancement on my September scan is something else (scar tissue? necrotic tissue etc?).
“I’m hoping that having a plan will be slightly more reassuring than living in limbo – but who knows. Either way – hope, hope, hope x.”
Fans rallied to show their support, with one fellow cancer survivor sharing their advice saying: “Forgetting about cancer between scans is definitely the only way forward.
“I spent the first two years after diagnosis torturing myself whether it had come back or not. Now I try to forget about it and enjoy my life in the three months between scans.”
The brain_tumour_research Instagram account also offered words of encouragement.
They wrote: “We’ve got our arms wrapped around you during this challenging time. Sending strength, hope, and so much love as you navigate the waiting and uncertainty.”
Theo’s battle with cancer began with excruciating migraines, vision impairment, and severe nausea – which led her to get checked out by doctors.
Sadly she was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma, which is a type of brain tumour, back in June 2022.
The Antiques Roadshow personality went through surgery to remove 90 percent of the tumour, along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
While the cancer remains incurable, Theo has resolved to cherish every day and make the most of her time with her loved ones, including her young son Jonah who was only one when she found out about her condition.
Antiques Roadshow presenters through the years
Antiques Roadshow launched all the way back in 1979 and has become a staple BBC programme. Here is a look at those who have hosted the show over the years.
- Bruce Parker (1979): Journalist and presenter Bruce Parker was the original host of Antiques Roadshow when the programme debuted.
- Angela Rippon (1979): Broadcaster and former newsreader Angela Rippon briefly took up the hosting reins in 1979.
- Arthur Negus (1979-1983): The first long-term presenter, the television personality and antiques expert had a four-year stint with the show. He died in 1985, two years after leaving Antiques Roadshow.
- Hugh Scully (1981-2000): Hugh, a journalist, radio and television presenter, is the longest-serving presenter of Antiques Roadshow. He died in 2015, at the age of 72.
- Michael Aspel (2000-2008): Retired presenter and newsreader Michael Aspel hosted Antiques Roadshow for eight years. He is also known for his work on shows including This Is Your Life and Crackerjack.
- Fiona Bruce (2008 – present): The current host, journalist, newsreader and presenter Fiona joined the BBC show in 2008. She remains the ongoing presenter to this day.
