BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire has spoken frankly about battling breast cancer – admitting the illness has made her more determined than ever to take on new challenges.
Victoria, 52, says that she is now more open to saying ‘yes’ to things she wouldn’t have done before which is partly why she signed up to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2020.
The daytime host said: “This is a mad thrill adventure that I want to take part in.
“Because of cancer, I know more than lots of people, life is short.
“I am now saying ‘yes’ to stuff I wouldn’t have done previously.
“And if I don’t do my boys proud, I will never live it down.”
Victoria Derbyshire has signed up to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! 2020 (Image: ITV)
She continued: “They really, really want me to do it and they have kept it a secret for months now because they want me to do it so much!
“They do think it is cool I am doing it because this is their programme of the year.
“My husband is also so happy I am doing it.
“He thinks I will love it, throw myself into it and he said if it makes me happy, he is happy. They are on the journey with me!”
Victoria was diagnosed with breast cancer July 2015.
Two months later she took the decision to have a single mastectomy.
Rather than keep her illness a private matter, Victoria bravely decided to use her diagnosis as a way to help others learn about spotting the signs before it’s too late and raise awareness.
In a moving video, Victoria decided to film herself sitting up in her hospital bed with two signs.
The first read: “This morning I had breast cancer”.
The second read: “This evening I don’t”.
The official I’m A Celeb line-up has been confirmed ahead of the show kicking off next weekend (Image: ITV)
Explaining how she is now more determined than ever and will never refuse a I’m A Celeb camp task, Victoria said: “There is no way I will point blank refuse to do a trial.
“You watch it and think ‘there is no way I can do that’ but when they get into the camp, something changes – whether that is wanting to try their best or not letting their team down.
“People challenge themselves to do it and I love that.”
Victoria will be joined on the show by Team GB Olympic legend Mo Farah, Corrie’s Beverley Callard, Radio 1 DJ Jordan North, EastEnders actress Jessica Plummer, Strictly’s AJ Pritchard, presenter Vernon Kay, author Giovanna Fletcher, West End star Ruthie Henshall and EastEnders Shane Richie.
Paralympian Hollie Arnold and tenor Russell Watson complete the initial 2020 line-up.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! kicks off Sunday November 15 on ITV
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
