Comedian Rhod Gilbert fights back tears and tells Bake Off fans ‘I’m lucky to be here’ after gruelling cancer battle
The comedian was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2022
RHOD Gilbert moved viewers to tears as he appeared on Celebrity Bake Off this evening to raise money to fight cancer – after battling it himself.
In emotional scenes, Rhod, 55, admitted he was ‘lucky to be here’ as he fought back tears following his stint in the tent.
Rhod was up against Danny Dyer, comedian Leigh Francis, and presenter Yinka Bokinni in aid of Stand Up For Cancer, a cause which is very close to him.
In July 2022, the comedian revealed he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
He later revealed it was metastatic cancer of the head and neck.
Following treatment, Rhod revealed he had been given his first all clear scan.
Speaking on Bake Off tonight, which was ultimately won by Leigh Francis, Rhod said: “For me, it is quite emotional just to be here because the fact is I am lucky to be here at all.
“I realised when I got cancer that I had been plodding along through my life thinking ‘other people get cancer’.”
He continued: “One in two of us is going to get some form of cancer in our lifetimes, that is pretty shocking and frightening.
“Things like this raise money for the research that goes into that treatment and I am living proof I guess, I am literally living proof.”
Timeline of Rhod Gilbert's cancer journey
- July 2022: Rhod reveals he has been diagnosed with cancer, but does not disclose which type.
- December 2022: The TV star gives an update on his health saying that he is ‘optomistic’ about his future.
- January 2023: The comedian reveals he was rushed to hospital.
- February 2023: Rhod reveals he has been battling metastatic cancer of the head and neck.
- October 2023: The comic returns to TV for the first time since his diagnosis and reveals he has been given the all clear from cancer.
Those watching at home were very moved, with one person commenting: “Jeez ive gone again. Love Rhod Gilbert so much. His story was heartbreaking too.”
A second said: “Ooh, Rhod! I’m welling up too.”
While a third added: “Rhod Gilbert is a true inspiration. the things that man has been through the last few years and to be standing there in that tent, I can def understand why he got emotional at the end there.”
