BBC Strictly Come Dancing star reveals new health fears after brain tumour battle

Messages of support have flooded in for Russell Grant after he expressed new health fears. The famed astrologer and Strictly Come Dancing star had surgery for a brain tumour in late 2022 and had a growth on his pituitary gland removed.

Now he has told followers on X, formerly Twitter, that his diabetes may have returned. In a post, Russell, who also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef told fans: "Morning. The latest news on my post pituitary brain tumour operation is the possibility I have returned to being diabetic.

"I was once Type 2 but controlled it by diet. However, it’s possible taking so many steroids to keep me going they’ve increased my blood sugar

"Tests today." He later added: "Lots of love to you all who posted messages of support and affection.

"My appreciation and thanks knows no bounds. I now wait for the results.’

The Mirror reported last year that the former Strictly star and astrologer - who has appeared regularly on Loose Women and This Morning - was almost paralysed with fear amid concern he needed to take to deal with a growing tumour. “I was so scared," he said at the time.

“Then one day I had a Zoom call with my neurosurgeon Professor Omar ­Pathmanaban. He was lovely, so ­reassuring.

“But what topped it off was he then said, ‘It would be an honour and a privilege to take away your tumour…when I was a kid my mother and I used to watch you every morning on breakfast telly. It made me late for school.’”

Russell is known to millions for his astrological predictions, which people have been turning to for decades. But his fame opened up in a different direction in 2011 when he appeared on hit BBC show Strictly.

He starred alongside dancer Flavia Cacace. They became fan favourites and made it to week eight.

Followers flocked to offer their support to him after he posted his latest update on his health. Broadcaster David Haigh said simply: "Best of luck."

NHS worker Kathy Harris said: "Hope all goes well. Fingers crossed your blood sugars stay stable, and no need for medication."

One moved fan even opened up on their own health battle. Tony said: "Hope all goes well for you Russell, our thoughts are with you.

"I'm currently suffering bad with type 2 diabetes at 44. I can hardly walk or keep hold of things due to neuropathy.

"Can't imagine what to do if it gets any worse, it's awful. Can't even play with my 2 yr old son.

"It's crippling me. All our best wishes to you and hope you get on good."

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

According to the NHS, the condition causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. There are 2 main types:

• type 1 diabetes – this is a lifelong condition that sees the body's immune system attack and destroy cells that produce insulin

• type 2 diabetes – this is where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react to insulin properly

The NHS says Type 2 diabetes is much more common. In the United Kingdom, more than 90 per cent of all adults with diabetes have type 2.