Jon Holmes Faces Prostate Cancer Head-On in New BBC Series
Comedian and broadcaster Jon Holmes had his world turned upside down in 2023 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite a hectic schedule, Holmes tackled the diagnosis with grit and a sharp sense of humour. He quickly realised that men often avoid talking about the awkward and sometimes ridiculous realities of cancer treatment.
Breaking the Silence: Jon Holmes’ Bold New Series
Determined to change the conversation, Holmes launches an eye-opening eight-part BBC Radio 4 series, Jon Holmes Says The C-Word. He’s gathered a star-studded lineup, including Stephen Fry, Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Eric Idle, and more. The show dives deep, mixing candid stories, expert advice, and laugh-out-loud moments from comedians, actors, musicians, and journalists who’ve faced cancer.
Raw, Real, and Ridiculously Honest
“If there had been a podcast like this when I was diagnosed – one full of other people’s stories, advice and light moments to illuminate the darkness of the whole sorry process, I’d have lapped it up. But there wasn’t, so I spoke to Radio 4, and now there is.” – Jon Holmes
The series doesn’t shy away from the gritty details. From biopsies to penis pumps, Holmes and his guests pull no punches discussing everything about cancer diagnosis and treatment. Their goal? To smash taboos and encourage men to stay on top of their health with regular checks.
BBC Radio 4 Backing a Powerful Message
BBC Radio 4’s Rhian Roberts praises Holmes’ honesty and commitment: “Jon has been so generous in both sharing his own cancer story and creating a new space for men to open up. It’s down to earth, full of facts, and with as much fun as Jon can muster.”
Jon Holmes Says The C-Word kicks off on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 9 July at 11pm, with episodes dropping weekly on BBC Sounds. Don’t miss it.
