Big Brother legend Jon Tickle diagnosed with Motor neurone disease
Big Brother and Brainiac star Jon Tickle has been diagnosed with Motor neurone disease (MND).
Big Brother icon Jon Tickle has been diagnosed with Motor neurone disease (MND).
The 52-year-old star shot to fame after appearing as a contestant on the fourth series of the reality show's initial run on Channel 4 in 2003 but his fellow housemate Ray Shah revealed the sad health update following a reunion in London at the weekend.
Shah penned on social media: "It has taken us 23 years but we finally got to have a Big Brother reunion with most of the gang.
"For those that don't know, we were Big Brother 4... one of the OG's. What a great laugh we had meeting up last night in London.
"There's a touch of sadness to it though as Jon Tickle was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease a few months ago but fair play to Sissy (Joanne Rooney), she helped get us all together.
"Planning the next meet up already and we will get EVERYONE back this time. Until next time legends."
Fellow housemate Justine Sellman commented: "Omg it was such a magical night seeing everyone again! Big hugs and love to our very special friends group xxx."
Jon was allowed to return to the Big Brother house after a public vote despite being evicted on the show (although he was not eligible to win) and he later went on to feature on the Sky science series Brainiac.
He has sadly been diagnosed with MND - a terminal condition that destroys the nerves in the brain and spinal cord and ultimately robs those suffering of the ability to move, eat and breathe.
There is currently no cure for the disease.
Jon previously suggested that finding fame on Big Brother was a double-edged sword, as it raised his profile to the detriment of his health and career prospects.
The physics graduate told The Guardian newspaper in 2018: "My raised profile led to me co-presenting seven series of the award-winning TV show Brainiac: Science Abuse, and that earned me the privilege of discussing science policy with Sir David Attenborough at No 10.
"On the other hand, during five time-poor years of living a double life as both a scientist and a TV presenter, I relied on a convenience-food diet that resulted in the removal of my gall bladder.
"I’m certain that my career would have progressed further had I focused on it in my early 30s, and sometimes I wish that some of my colleagues wouldn’t introduce me as, 'This is Jon – he’s walked on custard', but rather as my ex-boss did at an industry conference last week: 'This is Jon, he’s an excellent enterprise information architect.'"
