Henry Cole’s announcement has been framed by coverage around an interruption to his theatre schedule, while Cole has stressed that the cancer was found early and that he expects treatment and work to remain manageable.

The 62-year-old presenter has postponed live dates scheduled before Christmas after disclosing a diagnosis of localised gut cancer. He says surgery is planned, but filming commitments are not expected to be affected.

In a social-media video relayed by the outlets, the Motorbike Show presenter apologised to ticket-holders and said the affected performances would be rearranged after Christmas. “I’m going to have to move the gigs this side of Christmas, the live shows to after Christmas when we’ll rebook them.”¹

Cole’s own account is notably more optimistic than the concern implied by the cancelled dates. He described the cancer as being “localised” and “easy to operate on,” adding that he was thankful it had been detected.² He said he had been told he could make a full recovery and hoped to be “smiling around February.”

The reports agree on the immediate practical consequence — the tour delay to allow for surgery — but also underline Cole’s insistence that the diagnosis should not halt his television work. He told followers that “filming is not affected,” and said he would provide updates as treatment progresses.¹

Cole is known for programmes including The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried and Find It, Fix It, Flog It. Messages of support included one from actor Elizabeth Hurley, according to the coverage.²