Johnny Ball has admitted he “doesn’t have long left” while reflecting on his battle with prostate cancer. The Strictly Come Dancing star, who is father to BBC legend Zoe Ball, was diagnosed in 2022 but received the all-clear in 2025, saying he is now “doing fine”. But at age 87, he admitted he might not have long left to live.
Johnny told The Mirror: “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. I'm happy that I'm still fit at 87. By rights, I don’t have long left, I want to spend it with a smile on my face.”
The BBC legend started daily radiation treatment weeks after his diagnosis, which lasted three months.
Speaking last year, he admitted that after both his pal Harry Secombe and Bob Monkhouse died from prostate cancer, he was “lucky” to have been cured.
He now maintains a strict health regime including daily stretches, weightlifting and a health diet.
Johnny lost his ex-wife Julia Peckham after she died from cancer in 2024.
Zoe announced the death of her mother, writing in tribute to her: “Sleep tight dear Mama. We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other.”
She added: “Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts."
