Taskmaster Comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri Details Cancer Diagnosis and Menopause Challenges
Comedian and Taskmaster star Fatiha El-Ghorri has publicly shared her personal health battle, revealing she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer last year. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday, 16 February, the 44-year-old stand-up comic disclosed that she underwent a hysterectomy to remove the cancer, sparking an outpouring of support from fans and fellow comedians.
Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention
El-Ghorri, who appeared on the 19th series of Taskmaster in 2025, recounted that in February 2025, while preparing to go on stage, she received news from a transvaginal scan indicating an abnormality on her womb. Subsequent medical tests led doctors to suspect cancer, recommending a precautionary hysterectomy. In May 2025, she underwent surgery to remove her womb and ovaries, which thrust her into forced or medical menopause.
By June 2025, doctors confirmed she had Stage 1 endometrial cancer. Fortunately, the cancer had not spread and was fully removed during the hysterectomy, meaning she did not require chemotherapy or additional treatment. However, El-Ghorri emphasized that the aftermath of the surgery presented its own significant hurdles.
The Menopause Struggle and NHS Delays
In her post, El-Ghorri described the menopause as "the toughest and most painful part of all of this", expressing that she felt "going out of my mind" while waiting for an appointment at an NHS menopause clinic. Due to the delays, she ultimately sought private care to address her symptoms. She wrote, "I was crying every day. I was depressed and sad. I felt lost. I felt stuck in my mind and body. There was no help for me," noting that her cancer diagnosis prevented her from using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
El-Ghorri explained her decision to share her story now, stating, "menopause ain’t a joke". She reflected on how it "changes your life forever, physically, mentally and hormonally", and admitted feeling ashamed due to her working-class background, where she typically adheres to a mantra of perseverance. "I think this is why I was ashamed because I had to become weak and had to rely on others for help which is something I never do," she added.
Outpouring of Support from the Comedy Community
Her candid revelation prompted an immediate wave of support from prominent figures in the comedy world. Katherine Ryan commented, "LOVE YOU SO MUCH and omg a massive tour coming up with all of this going on so recently. This will help so many & I admire you more than ever (which was a lot to begin with)."
Mathew Baynton, her Taskmaster co-star, expressed, "I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I’m in awe of your strength (I already was). Sharing this will help loads of people. All the love in the world to you." Sarah Millican also offered words of encouragement, saying, "So much love and strength to you. Thank you for sharing this."
El-Ghorri concluded her post on a positive note, sharing that she is now "doing much better" and "healing physically and hormonally". Her story sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges of menopause and the healthcare system's response, resonating with many who face similar struggles.
