Louis Walsh reveals secret cancer battle in lockdown – as Celebrity Big Brother stars fight back tears
LOUIS Walsh has revealed he secretly fought cancer during lockdown.
In recent years the TV judge, 71, has looked noticeably slimmer but had put the weight loss down to a lifestyle overhaul.
However, Louis opened up on a private health battle on ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother in shock scenes tonight.
Asked about how he fared during the pandemic, Louis said: “I was sick, and I think nobody knew I was sick
“I had cancer. A mild version, a rare one.
"In my blood, I didn’t even know that I had it until I went to the hospital, and then they checked me, checked me, checked me, then they found it. They said it’s a rare one.”
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The revelation moved his housemates, including TV chef Levi Roots and reality star Ekin-Su Culculoglu, to tears.
Louis then revealed medics were able to “clear up” the cancer.
Ekin-Su asked: “Did it affect you mentally?”
Pointing to his head, Louis added: “It did, I gotta be honest with you. It’s just up here, even when I go past a hospital I almost get sick.
“It’s all gone, I’m fine. It was just the shock of being sick and that word… nobody wants that word.
“I have it blocked out, a reality check, you see so many people sick and it’s terrible.
“In my world it was all about pop music and all that. I didn’t think of anybody getting sick or anything like that.
“And that was like wow, reality check, you’re in the real world.”
An insider explained that Louis is now in remission from a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma called waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
The condition sees some white blood cells undergo changes that turn them into cancer cells.
They added: “This is the whole reason why Louis wanted to go into Celebrity Big Brother.
“He has spent the last five years at home in Dublin with lockdown and this health battle and it’s given him a reality check on life.
“He just wanted to have some fun.
“Sharon Osbourne was aware of his struggles, but beyond his family no one else knew.
“It’s the reason why he’s sleeping quite a lot in the house and is quite frail.
“But his family are happy he felt comfortable enough to open up to Levi and Ekin on this, and start to show his softer side."
What are the symptoms of blood cancer?
Blood Cancer UK found in a survey that 56 per cent of people can’t name a single symptom of the disease, which is diagnosed 40,000 times a year in the UK.
But it is the third biggest cancer killer in the UK, taking the lives of around 15,000 people every year.
Blood Cancer UK found in a survey that 56 per cent of people can’t name a single symptom of the disease, which is diagnosed 40,000 times a year in the UK.
Blood cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of blood cancer.
But generally, Blood Cancer UK warn of the following:
Weight loss that is unexplained
Cancer cells and the body’s reaction to them can alter the body’s metabolism and reduce muscle and fat.
Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained
This is a result of low platelets, as they help the blood to clot. A patient may notice tiny little red or purple dots under the skin that looks like a rash, bleeding from the gums or nose, heavy or prolonged periods and blood in urine or faeces.
Lumps or swellings
Lumps are caused by an abnormal amount of white blood cells building up in the lymph glands, found in the neck, armpit and groin.
They can also be inside the body and press on organs, causing pain or breathlessness (if against the lungs).
Shortness of breath (breathlessness)
Breathlessness is a result of having anaemia, when the red blood cell level is low. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, so if you don’t have enough red blood cells, you can become anaemic.
Tiredness that doesn’t improve with sleep (fatigue)
Anaemia can cause tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest or sleep.
Unusually pale complexion (pallor)
A pale complexion is also a result of anemia. Other symptoms of anaemia include feeling faint and headaches.
Drenching night sweats
If you wake up in the night drenched in sweat, it could be a result of blood cancer. Some people with lymphoma get this, but it’s not yet known what causes this.
Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe
Because of the low level of white blood cells, the body finds it hard to fight infections. It can mean a patient often has symptoms like chills or shivering, coughing or a sore throat.
Fever (38°C or above) that is unexplained
Fever may be one of the symptoms of repeated infections.
Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained
Some people diagnosed with a blood cancer report they had an all-over itch. But there is no visible rash or dry skin. It’s not known why this occurs.
Pain in the bone, joints or abdominal
Myeloma can cause pain in any major bones such as the back, ribs or hips. There may also be stomach pain, bloating or swelling, or occasionally pain. Some patients feel full after eating only a small amount.
It is the latest in a line of revelations from The X Factor legend - but he has made few confessions about his own personal life.
Fans have been left shocked by his opinions on other celebrities including Ronan Keating, pop twins Jedward and former President Donald Trump.
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Tonight Louis faces eviction from the TV spy house alongside Levi, Ekin, daytime presenter Fern Britton and Ibiza Weekender loud mouth David Potts.
AJ Odudu and Will Best host the live eviction, with the finale just one week away.
Celebrity Big Brother: who's left?
Who are the stars who have survived in the Celebrity Big Brother house? The Sun's Jamie Downham takes a look...
GOING STRONG
Louis Walsh - The boyband manager, who's has never knowingly backed down from a fight, regularly trends for for his outrageous remarks
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu - Whatever you do, don't mention Love Island to Ekin! Her place in the house is now looking shaky after losing some allies
Levi Roots - Reggae Reggae Sauce sauce packs a bit of a kick, but its inventor seems quite mild-mannered. Will that change under pressure?
Fern Britton - The former This Morning star called out Phillip Schofield - but has seemed like a kind and gentle soul in the house
Colson Smith - You'll probably know him best as Corrie's Craig Tinker - but prepare to find out he's not much like his character
David Potts - Ibiza Weekender's breakout star has left that show behind - as well as his trousers by the look of things
Marisha Wallace - It's not CBB without the role of 'American who doesn't know what they've let themselves in for' and she's doing brilliantly
Nikita Kuzmin - The Strictly pro is coming onto the show fresh off the show's tour. Poor lad probably just wants a rest
Zeze Millz - the social media star has a "no holds barred interview style" - and she hasn't backed away from calling people (well, Louis) out
Bradley Riches - The actor played kindly James McEwan in Netflix hit Heartstopper and he seems just as sweet in the house
HEADED HOME
Sharon Osbourne - TV legend was a "house guest" on a megabucks deal and an ensuite bedroom, but disappeared after nine days
Lauren Simon - Real Housewives of Cheshire star was the second person to leave. The stars put her up for eviction and the public did the rest
Gary Goldsmith - Kate Middleton's uncle was a big signing for ITV, but he was booted out first after failing to impress viewers