Television presenter Henry Cole has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer in his lower gut and will postpone his live theatre appearances while he undergoes surgery.
The 62-year-old, known for ITV4 programmes including The Motorbike Show and Shed and Buried, told followers he had been given a positive outlook by doctors and expected to make a full recovery.
In a video shared on Instagram while filming the latest series of his motorcycling show, Cole apologised to fans and said his performances scheduled before Christmas would be rearranged for the new year.
“I’ve just got a little announcement,” he said. “I’m terribly sorry. I’m going to have to move the gigs this side of Christmas, the live shows to after Christmas when we’ll rebook them.”
Explaining the reason for the postponement, he added: “I’ve got a little bit of the cancer, down in my little gut here. It’s localised, it’s easy to operate on, and thank gosh we found it.”
Cole said he had been told he should recover fully and hoped to return to public appearances around February. He also reassured viewers that his television work would continue.
“Filming is not affected,” he said, before ending his message with a typically irreverent reference to the setback and promising to keep followers updated.
The presenter’s official website had advertised a 19-date theatre tour running from April to November 2026, with former motorcycle racer Steve Parrish joining him for the evenings. The shows are billed as an opportunity for Cole to discuss his career, motorcycles and personal experiences.
Messages of support followed the announcement, including one from actress Elizabeth Hurley, who appeared alongside Cole in the 1995 film Mad Dogs and Englishmen. She commented: “I love you.”
Cole began his career as a news cameraman and director before establishing his own production company and moving into television. He has since presented a number of programmes centred on motorcycles, restoration and British heritage, including World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides, Junk & Disorderly and Find It, Fix It, Flog It.
He has previously spoken publicly about overcoming a heroin addiction, telling The Daily Telegraph in 2019 that he had battled dependency during his time working behind the camera. He has been clean since 1988.
Cole is married to Janie, with whom he has two sons, Charlie and Tom.
