Strictly Come Dancing favourite Russell Grant was taken to hospital after experiencing a concerning issue with his vision. The astrologer, who graced the dancefloor in 2011 on the hit BBC series, disclosed that he woke up earlier this week to find “strange cottony things floating” in his left eye.
He was swiftly taken to see specialists at the eye clinic, where he learned of a bleed behind his eye. Doctors informed him that while there was no retinal damage, he would have to become accustomed to the floaters as they were incurable.
Grant took to Twitter to inform his followers about the ordeal, posting: “Monday: I woke with strange cottony things floating in my left eye. Headed to the opticians for tests. Next day @BlackpoolHosp called: day after into the eye clinic. Result: I had a bleed behind my eye but no retinal damage but it seems I have to befriend the floater! No cure.”
Previously, in March 2023, Russell shared news of his brain tumour diagnosis and has been keeping fans updated on his health journey. Last June, he mentioned the possibility of having reverted to diabetes, a condition he once managed through diet, suggesting that steroids used post-operation may have spiked his blood sugar levels.
His updates have prompted an outpouring of support from well-wishers, reports the Mirror.
Reflecting on a decade since his memorable stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, Russell reminisced about the time he was famously shot out of a cannon during the show. He shared: “The funniest thing with that is, there I was, turning things down, not thinking I could do them, but with the cannon, I couldn’t wait to do it. In fact, I demanded to rehearse it six times!”
He also recalled the unforgettable experience at Wembley Arena, saying: “I would in no way swap the memories of the Wembley Arena and 6,000 people standing and giving me an ovation – and that was before I had even come out the bloody thing!”
Grant admitted that he initially declined the offer to join Strictly, influenced by his self-doubt and desire to stay within his comfort zone of astrology, despite his non-astrological background. It was his mother’s passion for the show that ultimately convinced him to participate.
“My mum was wedded to Strictly, bless her. She told me I had to go in and do it or I’d regret it for the rest of my life. We don’t want to have regrets – think of Edith Piaf, Je Ne Regrette Rien. I thank God Strictly came into my life. It taught me that if you really want to do something, just do it. I was 60 when I did it and once I’d done it, I thought ‘why the hell couldn’t I have done it when I was 30? !'” he expressed with gratitude.
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