Jedward feared John was ‘going to die’ while filming Celebrity Big Brother after scary diagnosis
They were just 25 at the time.
Jedward were unforgettable on Celebrity Big Brother, but the duo have now revealed that John was plagued by a ‘scary health diagnosis’ the whole time.
The brothers — John and Edward Grimes — have actually appeared on CBB twice, first in 2011 then again in 2017, when they finished as runners-up.
As the latest series kicks off, Jedward, 33, spilled some behind-the-scenes secrets and advice from their two stints in the house.
While most were light-hearted recollections, John discussed the dramatic moment he fell when entering in 2017 and had to get medical attention.
‘Another thing that didn’t air is that when we were entering the house, I fell off the stage,’ he shared. ‘I hit my back and had to go to hospital for tests.
‘At the time, they gave me a scary diagnosis that I could have cancer.’
He slipped while entering the house in 2017 (Picture: James Shaw/REX/Shutterstock)Thankfully, John was given the all-clear after the series ended, having spent their entire 28-day run plagued by the health crisis.
‘I went through the experience thinking I was going to die,’ he added to OK! Magazine.
In a devastating development, the Eurovision icons would go on to lose their mum, Susanna, to cancer just two years later.
At the time, John downplayed the fall to Big Brother in the Diary Room: ‘Five seconds on the show and I’ve hurt myself!’
Pointing out his deflated signature hairstyle, he continued: ‘You know it’s a bad day when my hair looks like this! Now I have to go to hospital looking like this.’
It wasn’t until after the show ended he was given the all clear (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)He returned to the house that evening, with CBB not airing any conversations about a diagnosis and Jedward carrying on as normal.
The pair still managed to have fun while in the house, with Edward saying there is plenty of chance for romance on the show.
‘We could have had loads of showmances but we didn’t entertain them,’ he explained. ‘There are lots of condoms in there – they have a stash in the bathroom!
‘The producers have high hopes they’ll get used. There were hilarious moments.
‘Once, John ran out of underpants, so Bianca Gascoigne gave him her thong.’
Despite the fear, the duo have positive memories of CBB (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)On Monday, April 7, hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best return to front the showbiz edition of ITV’s beloved social experiment.
This year’s cast reportedly includes talk show hosting legend Trisha Goddard, American actor Mickey Rourke and internet sensation JoJo Siwa.
Only time will tell who will follow in David Potts’ footsteps and emerge victorious as the 2025 winner.
Celebrity Big Brother returns to ITV and ITVX on Monday, April 7.
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