Alan Davies Health Update: Comedian Reveals Diagnosis

Comedian Alan Davies has revealed he was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2024, sharing an update on his health during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show. The 60-year-old Davies said he discovered the issue after noticing blood in his urine.

Davies explained that early detection was key to his successful treatment. “In 2024 I had bladder cancer. Luckily, a little bit of blood in the toilet bowl and I saw it…” he told Ross, according to reporting from The Mirror. He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and has since received a clean bill of health.

The comedian described the procedure itself with characteristic bluntness, noting, “To get that tumour out, they have to go… up the… If you’re going to have a flexible cystoscopy… it’s not very nice and it’s not as bad as you think. That’s accurate. They got it out, so phew.”

Return to Touring After Health Scare

Davies has returned to touring with his new show, “Think Ahead,” and was initially unsure if audiences would still come after his time away. He expressed his relief and gratitude at the positive reception. “I didn’t know if anyone would come. It’s a bit like having a party,” Davies said. “But people did come — and a lot of them had grey hair and hadn’t been out for ages.”

The tour marks Davies’ first in ten years, and he’s using the opportunity to address personal subjects he’s previously avoided in his stand-up routines. According to Yahoo News UK, Davies is now tackling topics like the loss of his mother and past experiences with abuse.

“I lost my mum, there’s an abuse story with my father, which I didn’t really confront until I was in my 50s. Here’s the first stand‑up show where I’ve been able to talk about these difficult subjects,” Davies explained. He emphasized the importance of open conversation and honesty, aiming to deliver a show that is both funny and meaningful.

A Career Spanning Decades

Alan Davies is a well-known figure in British comedy, best known for his role as the titular character in the BBC mystery drama Jonathan Creek, which ran from 1997 to 2016. He has been a permanent panelist on the BBC panel show QI since its debut in 2003, outlasting the show’s original host, Stephen Fry. According to his Wikipedia entry, Davies began his career as a stand-up comedian and has undertaken several tours throughout his career.

Davies is also an author, having penned three memoirs, including Just Ignore Him, in which he details his experiences with childhood abuse. His willingness to address difficult personal experiences both on stage and in his writing has earned him respect from fans and critics alike.

The comedian’s health update comes two years after he initially revealed his bladder cancer diagnosis. His openness about his experience is expected to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and regular health checkups.

The full interview with Alan Davies will air on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday, April 5th, 2026.