Tim Bilton has revealed that his stage 4 cancer is now dormant, seven years after doctors gave him just 12 months to live.
The 54-year-old, recognised for his appearances on BBC’s Great British Menu and Channel 5’s On The Farm, shared the emotional news on Instagram on Tuesday.
Posting a photograph of himself embracing his wife Adele in their butchers shop, Mr Bilton described feeling “grateful, scared and emotional” after receiving a phone call from his oncologist confirming his latest scans were clear.
The Yorkshire chef was first diagnosed with melanoma in his eye in March 2013, marking the beginning of a gruelling 13-year battle with the disease.
Tim Bilton has been battling melanoma for more than 13 years
|
FACEBOOK / TIM BILTON
At the time of his initial diagnosis, Mr Bilton was at the peak of his career, with two Great British Menu appearances completed and a Michelin star within reach.
The melanoma returned in August 2015, when a consultant at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital confirmed a hard lump on the left side of his face was cancerous.
Following an eight-hour operation and six weeks of intensive radiotherapy, Mr Bilton believed he had overcome the illness after nearly three years in remission.
However, in 2019, the cancer was discovered in his left leg and kidney, reaching stage four.
The TV chef revealed his stage 4 cancer is now dormant
|
His wife, Adele, was told to prepare to say goodbye.
In his Instagram post, Mr Bilton reflected on the physical devastation of living with the cancer.
“I don’t look the same, I don’t talk the same, I can’t eat the things I used to love, my taste buds aren’t what they were, my jaw and knee are buggered,” he wrote.
The chef, who once weighed 15 stone, dropped to nine stone following surgery and lost his sense of taste entirely during radiotherapy.
He compared the experience to “putting my head into a microwave” and described his mouth becoming covered in ulcers that made swallowing impossible.
Despite the ordeal, Mr Bilton insisted the experience had transformed him positively, writing: “Cancer has been cruel, yes, 100%, but I can honestly say it’s made me a better man.”
Mr Bilton expressed profound gratitude to those who supported him through his darkest periods, writing: “Huge thank you to Adele for being by my side through it all and Adele’s brother Joe for being by her side.”
He also paid tribute to his sons, adding: “My Boys, Henry & Charlie, thank you for keeping me going and making me proud every single day.”
The chef reserved special thanks for his medical team, praising his oncologist for never giving up “even on the days when my body and mind had.”
Fellow TV stars and fans of the chef flooded his comments with messages of support.
Gordon Ramsay ‘liked’ the post in support, while presenter Helen Skelton commented: “Wonderful news for a wonderful man.”
One fan posted: “This is fantastic news … you’re a real inspiration, and as a fellow melanoma warrior I’ve followed you and your lovely wife and your amazing upbeat and positivity is contagious and I’m so happy you’ve got this news.”
The chef said his latest scans showed no active cancer
|
Another said: “To someone truly special—your strength, courage, and resilience this is the most wonderful news, and I couldn’t be happier for you. Wishing you continued health, happiness, and so many beautiful moments ahead. You deserve every single one.”
“Incredible news! Absolutely amazing – so happy for all the family!” a third penned.
Someone else wrote: “Best news EVER. So so happy for you all.” (sic)