EastEnders star John Partridge reveals secret cancer ordeal ‘I've gone through a lot’
EASTENDERS’ former cast member John Partridge has spoken out for the first time about his cancer diagnosis while appearing on today’s Good Morning Britain.
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John Partridge opens up about his battle with testicular cancer
The actor, who played EastEnders’ Christian Clarke between 2008 and 2016, admitted that he struggled to talk about his battle with cancer - even to his late mother.
The 46-year-old was diagnosed with testicular cancer back in 2004 and has waited 14 years to discuss what happened to him.
John was on ITV’s Good Morning Britain as he prepared to strip off on The Real Full Monty: Live after having a testicle removed.
When asked about not always confiding in his mum, the Celebrity Big Brother contestant commented: “I feel terrible about that; she passed away last year.
I had over 120 stitches, there's a scar, it doesn't look particularly pretty for somebody like me
"Her parting gift to me was me addressing a lot of things in my life and this was part of that.”
John went on: “As a man, it’s… 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.”
The star said he knew there were “lots” of people in the same situation, and other men who have never spoken out.
EastEnders: John Partridge has spoken out about his secret cancer battle
EastEnders: John Partridge was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2004
John, who was worried it would effect his career, added: “I've gone through a lot of changes over the last 12 months and this is part of that, part of letting go of the person that I was in a way and embracing somebody I knew a long time ago."
He urged men and women to "cop a feel, have a look, check yourselves" during Wednesday night's The Real Full Monty.
"We want men up and down the country to examine themselves," he stated.
John was inundated with praise online following his candid interview, with host Richard Madeley shaking his hand mid-chat.
EastEnders: John Partridge will appear on The Real Full Monty 2018
The Real Full Monty: The men perform strip tease on stage
EastEnders: John Partridge said he worried cancer would have an impact on his career
One viewer tweeted: “God bless you for being so brave - what a truly beautiful man you are."
Someone else posted: “A brave and courageous journey. Thank you for sharing."
The show is supported by charities Movember, Prostate Cancer UK, Cancer Research UK and Everyman.
The Real Full Monty: Live airs tomorrow and Thursday on ITV at 9pm.