Diagnosis just as he turns 80

Jimmy Tarbuck has revealed that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The veteran Liverpudlian comic has revealed that he received the news on the day after his 80th birthday earlier this month.

And he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain today, he would ‘try and beat it’.

‘Right now I feel great. I'm on the telly and I'm having a good time,’ he said, adding that the cancer had not spread.

He added: that he was inspired to get checked by Sir Rod Stewart, who announced in September that he had received treatment for prostate cancer, and said that Tom Jones had been his 'mentor' through the medical processes.

Tarby said: 'The thought of having prostate cancer is scary but I am determined to face it head on – and that’s because of learning that Rod Stewart has gone through it too.' 

The comic, who rose to fame in the 1960s via variety shows such as Sunday Night At The London Palladium, said: ’All men out there watching, and all wives, get your husbands to go for the tests,’ Tarbuck said. 

‘Boys, go. It is embarrassing. Especially when the fella said to me "We're going to give you the thumbs-up". I said, "I hope not". He roared laughing.’

The comedian said he was having injections and taking tablets  to fight the disease.

Tarbuck, who also hosted the quiz show Winner Takes All, in the 1970s and 1980s, was given an OBE in 1994 for his services to comedy and charity, and he continues to tour with a show of showbusiness reminiscences. 

'I have prostate cancer and I'm going to try and beat it.'

Jimmy Tarbuck is urging all men to get checked out.

Listen to Jimmy, boys. He's a total legend. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ff65hFJnlP

— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) February 19, 2020

Published: 19 Feb 2020