The Voice UK 2024 champion Ava Mannings has disclosed that she received a brain tumour diagnosis in October 2024, a little over a week after claiming victory on the ITV singing competition.
The 23-year-old from Bristol shared the news on Instagram yesterday, breaking a near two-year silence on social media.
In an emotional video post, the singer bravely displayed her surgical scar while explaining her sudden disappearance from public life.
Her post has since attracted thousands of likes and an outpouring of support from followers, fellow musicians, and figures connected to the programme.
Ava Mannings wowed all four judges on The Voice with her blind audition
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ITV
Speaking in her video message, Ms Mannings told followers: “So unfortunately, Miss Ava here was diagnosed with a brain tumour back in October 2024, about a week after everyone found out that I had won The Voice. So that’s why I disappeared so quickly.”
She acknowledged the impact of the experience but stopped herself from going into too much detail.
“Yeah, I’m not going to get into that whole experience because it’s still something that, you know, it’s quite life-changing,” she said.
The singer confirmed that the operation had been successful: “I went through some major surgery, and I managed to get a very positive result from the surgery.”
Ava Mannings won The Voice in 2024
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GETTY
Ms Mannings then signalled her intention to resume her music career two years on from her victory on the ITV singing competition.
She added in the video: “I don’t really know what to say because obviously this is quite a hard video for me to make, but I’m back so watch out everyone.”
The post quickly drew responses from those closest to her Voice UK journey, including coaches Danny Jones and the wife of Tom Fletcher, Giovanna Fletcher.
Mr Jones commented simply, “Avaaaa,” with a red heart emoji, while Ms Fletcher wrote: “So much love for you, Ava.”
Ava Mannings shared the news about her health on social media
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INSTAGRAM/AVA MANNINGS
Fans and supporters flooded the comments with messages celebrating her courage and comeback.
One follower described her as “a complete inspiration,” while another wrote: “I’m so glad you’re back! But also hope you really took the time to recover and heal, you’re a bada** through and through!”
Others expressed both sympathy and delight at her return, with one commenting: “So sorry to hear about the news!! Glad you’re back and doing well, sending all my love.”
Before her life-changing diagnosis, Ms Mannings had enjoyed a remarkable and unlikely path to stardom.
The Bristol native was working as a dog groomer when she was spotted through a YouTube video of her singing with a friend, leading to her appearance on the 13th series of The Voice UK.
Despite having never received any formal vocal training, the then-21-year-old impressed all four judges.
Will.i.am, LeAnn Rimes, Sir Tom Jones, and the McFly duo of Mr Fletcher and Mr Jones all turned their chairs during her audition. She opted to join Mr Fletcher and Mr Jones’s team.
Ms Mannings went on to defeat fellow finalists Deb Orah, Storry, and Billy & Louie to claim the series crown and its £50,000 prize.
She subsequently released a cover of The Beatles’ The Long and Winding Road as her winner’s single.