Brave Tarby’s battle
ROD & TOM GOT HIM TO SEE DOC
JIMMY Tarbuck has revealed he is battling prostate cancer after pals Rod Stewart and Tom Jones gave him the courage to get tested.
The comedian developed symptoms just before his 80th birthday earlier this month.
He said long-time pal Sir Tom, 79, urged him to go to a doctor and explained what the tests would be like.
And Sir Rod’s announcement he had beaten the disease had given him the determination to fight it.
Jimmy told Good Morning Britain: “Yes, I have prostate cancer. I’m going to try and beat it.
Gags
“All men out there watching, and all wives, get your husbands to go for the tests I think after 50. You will be relieved and be with your families for extra years. Men are shy.’’
Jimmy admitted the examination was embarrassing but he managed one of his trademark gags.
He said: “The fella said to me: ‘We’re going to give you the thumbs up.’ I said: ‘I hope not.’ He roared laughing.’’
The comedian revealed the cancer had not spread.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “It is so helpful that celebrities like Sir Rod and Jimmy Tarbuck have been brave enough to speak out about their diagnosis.”
WHAT a legend Jimmy Tarbuck is.
The Liverpudlian has been a lovable figure on our screens for decades.
And a reminder of when comedy was gentler and less offensive.
But now he needs our support.
The 80-year-old has announced he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer. That’s never going to be easy to hear. But, as you might expect, Tarby has taken it with good grace and his trademark sense of humour.
Thankfully, he has been told it is unlikely the cancer will kill him.
And he’ll be able to lead a normal life. Plus the brave entertainer says he plans to “beat it”.
Good on you, Jimmy lad.
We’re with you every step of the way.