Johnny Ball, the beloved children's television presenter and father of broadcaster Zoe Ball, has candidly shared that he doesn't believe he has much time left, while reflecting on his recent battle with prostate cancer. The 87-year-old star, known for hosting BBC's Play School and Think Of A Number, revealed his diagnosis in August 2022 and underwent three months of daily radiation treatment, confirming he has now recovered and is doing well.
A Positive Outlook Despite Challenges
In an interview with The Mirror, Johnny Ball expressed a remarkably upbeat perspective on life, despite facing significant hardships. He stated, "I’ve been kicked in the teeth in every possible way by life and by situations and by people. But I still cannot help but smile. I have my wife, my dog, my life. I'm very happy with my life." He added that he feels content and grateful for his fitness at 87, saying, "By rights, I don’t have long left, I want to spend it with a smile on my face."
Diagnosis and Recovery Journey
When first diagnosed, Johnny spent several days uncertain about the severity of his illness. He and his wife Dianne even discussed the possibility that he might be nearing the end, with Johnny admitting he felt "quite pleased" to have come to terms with it. Doctors later reassured him that radiation treatment would lead to recovery. Reflecting on this, he described overcoming cancer as a wonderful relief, feeling "blessed with more years." He does not take his survival for granted, noting that some of his friends did not survive prostate cancer.
Fitness and Lifestyle Secrets
Johnny Ball attributes his health and vitality to a simple yet effective daily routine. He performs a seven-minute workout that includes two and a half minutes of bending and stretching, followed by two and a half minutes of lifting 2kg dumbbells. He said, "My daily routine is six to seven minutes at the most, but it keeps me incredibly fit." His diet also plays a role, with breakfast typically consisting of cereal with prunes, and he humorously mentioned enjoying "two pints" of beer in the evening.
Career and Personal Life
With a career spanning seven decades since rising to fame in the 1960s, Johnny shows no signs of slowing down. He has written a second memoir, Stories That Must Be Told!, set for release on March 28. He is happily married to his second wife, Dianne, a former dance teacher, with whom he recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have two sons: Dan, 46, a civil engineer, and Nick, 48, a film writer who recently worked on the Netflix horror film The Trip.
Johnny also has a daughter, former Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball, 55, from his first marriage to Julia, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in April 2024. He is a grandfather to six grandchildren, including Zoe's son Woody, 24.
Background on Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a significant health issue, with over 52,300 men diagnosed annually in the UK. It develops slowly, often without symptoms for years, and can be terminal if not caught early. Treatment side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, deter many from seeking diagnosis. Testing remains challenging due to unreliable tools like the PSA blood test, and there is no national screening programme. Risk factors include age, obesity, and lack of exercise.
