CORONATION Street star Gray O’Brien has revealed that he has been battling stage four tonsil cancer, and the diagnosis “devastated” him.
He discovered he had been living with the condition after visiting his doctor with swollen glands around August.
Since his diagnosis Glasgow-born O’Brien has had 30 rounds of radiotherapy over six weeks.
The star revealed the news in a post on Twitter, announcing he had finished his treatment.
He also shared a video of him ringing a bell in hospital to signify his treatment had ended.
He said: “When I received the diagnosis of tonsil cancer I was of course devastated – it’s cancer.
“My reason for waiting to ring the bell before I mentioned it publicly is because I wasn’t sure how strong I would be in coping with the treatment, indeed could I cope with the treatment?
“Even though I was told what to expect after the chemotherapy and what to expect after 30 rounds of radiotherapy I wasn’t sure how my body would react, and now six weeks later I have been able to cope with it and I was able to ring the bell.
“This is only the treatment finished. I now have a long way to go with my recovery.
“I have been advised it will get worse before it gets better, and I have no reason to doubt this.
“The accuracy of the medical advice I have received with regards to the treatment and how it’s progressed has been spot-on so far.
“As long as I take it a day at a time as I have up until this point I am looking forward to coming through the other side.”
Gray is best known for playing baddie businessman Tony Gordon in Coronation Street between 2007 and 2010, and he has also appeared in Casualty and River City.
He captioned his social media post: “About 3 months ago a trip to the doctors with swollen glands led to stage four tonsil cancer.
“Today marks the end of my treatment & I couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who has supported me along the way.”
He included a link to the Beatson Cancer Charity, which treated him at one of its centres.
The charity said: “Congratulations! Wishing you the best of health for the future.”
And he later added: “I have been totally humbled by the response from my tweet.
“Although this is the end of my treatment I still have a long way to go in my recovery. Best wishes to anyone who is just about to start this journey.”
Radio presenter Grant Stott said: “Mate, I had no idea. So sorry you’ve had a hellish time but delighted to see you ring that bell!!! Hugs and love for your recovery!”
Fellow actors Gary Hollywood and Mark Benton also sent messages of support.
