LOUIS: My blood cancer battle

Telly judge reveals rare illness to housemates on Celeb Big Brother

- TOM BRYANT

LOUIS Walsh last night revealed he has been fighting a rare form of blood cancer.

The former X Factor judge was diagnosed with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.

Speaking on Celebrity Big Brother, the 71-year-old star said that it had been a "reality check".

Louis made the admission in a conversation with housemates Levi Roots and Ekin-Su.

Asked about his experiences in lockdown, he replied: "I was sick, and I think nobody knew I was sick.

"I had cancer - a mild version, a rare one, in my blood.

"I didn't even know I had it until I went to the hospital. They checked me and then they found it." Louis said it affected him mentally.