John Partridge has revealed how he was diagnosed with testicular cancer 14 years ago but he kept it secret – even from his own mum – as he was too embarrassed to talk about it.
But now the former EastEnders star said he’s finally ready to open up – and he hopes his honesty will help other men feeling the way he did.
He’s even prepared to bare all following an operation to remove a testicle, as he takes part in ITV’s The Real Full Monty Live.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain about why he kept quiet about his diagnosis for so long, he said: “As a man, I’d lost part of that, my sexuality, my virility, my masculinity. You remove a testicle – it was a long operation, I had over 120 stitches, there’s a scar, it doesn’t look particularly pretty for somebody like me.”
He added: “I know there are lots of other people like me. I know there will be lots of other guys that have had this like me and have never spoken about it.”
He hopes by being open about it now and taking part in The Real Full Monty Live, along with other celebs including James Argent, Jeff Brazier and Ainsley Harriott, he can encourage other men to check themselves and not to be embarrassed to seek help if they need it.
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