Children’s TV legend Johnny Ball has revealed that he has been privately battling prostate cancer, sharing his story for the first time.
The 87-year-old, who became a household name in 1967, was diagnosed in August 2022 and has since undergone treatment.
Reflecting on his journey, Johnny described himself as “lucky” and confirmed that he is now “doing fine” after completing daily radiation therapy.
He told The Mirror, “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022 and, thankfully, after three months of daily radiation starting in September, I’m through it, I’m fine.”
Staying Fit and Focused
Johnny, a father of three, credits his ongoing fitness and health to a disciplined daily routine and mindful diet.
He keeps active with a quick seven-minute workout, combining stretching and bending with light dumbbell exercises.
“First I do a simple bending and stretching routine that lasts about two and a half minutes, and then I lift my two 2kg dumbbells for another two and a half minutes.
My daily routine is six to seven minutes at the most, but it keeps me incredibly fit,” he explained.
He also shared a peek into his diet, which includes a breakfast of cereal with prunes, followed by an occasional evening treat of “two pints” of beer.
A Life Full of Family and Memories
Johnny is widely known for presenting beloved children’s programs such as Play School and Think Of A Number.
He has been happily married to his second wife Dianne, a former dance teacher, celebrating 50 years together.
The couple has two sons, Dan, a civil engineer, and Nick, a filmmaker whose latest project, the horror film The Trip, reached number one on Netflix.
From his first marriage to Julia, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in April 2024, Johnny also has a daughter, Zoe, 54, and six grandchildren, including Zoe’s 24-year-old son Woody.
Zoe Ball Shares Her Grief
Zoe recently opened up about the emotional toll of losing her mother.
Speaking on her Persephonica podcast Dig It with Jo Whiley, she revealed the intense impact of Julia’s passing, describing an emotional breakdown that forced her to step away from her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.
“I couldn’t work. I was on the floor in the kitchen. I couldn’t move.
I had a proper emotional breakdown,” Zoe admitted.
She also reflected on how difficult her mother’s first birthday after passing was, saying, “It was a week of absolute weeping, I still get quite emotional talking about Mum even now.”
Remembering Julia
Before stepping down, Zoe had been one of the BBC’s highest-paid female presenters, earning £950,000 annually.
She previously paid tribute to her late mother on social media, writing: “Sleep tight dear Mama.
Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.”
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men.
In the UK, more than 11,800 men die from the disease each year, making it the third-leading cause of cancer deaths after lung and bowel cancer.
In the US, approximately 26,000 men die from prostate cancer annually.
The disease usually develops slowly, with few early symptoms.
Early-stage prostate cancer can sometimes be treated successfully, but late-stage diagnoses are often terminal.
Many men delay seeking medical advice due to potential side effects of treatment, including erectile dysfunction.
Testing and treatment options are limited and can be unreliable.
Men over 50 are eligible for a PSA blood test, though this is not fool-proof, and biopsies are sometimes required for confirmation.
Risk factors include age, obesity, and lack of exercise.
Those with concerns can contact Prostate Cancer UK for guidance and support at 0800 074 8383 or visit prostatecanceruk.org.