In an unexpected twist of fate, comedian and broadcaster Jon Holmes was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023. Despite a hectic schedule that left little room for such disruptions, Holmes faced the diagnosis head-on. His journey through treatment was not only intense and surprising but also laced with a peculiar sense of the ridiculous. Holmes quickly realised that men often shy away from discussing the absurdities and indignities of cancer treatment. Determined to break this silence, he decided to share his story—and those of other men who have walked a similar path.
Launching an eight-part series on BBC Radio 4, Jon Holmes Says The C-Word, Holmes invites a stellar lineup of guests to join him in candid conversations about their cancer experiences. The series features comedians Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Matt Forde, and Eric Idle; actors Colin McFarlane and Ben Richards; rock star Mike Peters; and journalists Jeremy Langmead, Nick Owen, and Jeremy Bowen.