Jeremy Kyle has recalled how he broke down crying into the arms of a doctor during his battle with testicular cancer in 2012

Television host Jeremy Kyle has opened up about the darkest and most terrifying chapter of his life — his battle with testicular cancer — revealing the emotional moment he collapsed into a doctor’s arms in tears, convinced he was about to die.

The 59-year-old presenter, who is making his long-awaited return to ITV after six years, speaks candidly about the ordeal in an emotional new episode of Kate Garraway’s Life Stories, airing Tuesday night.

The powerful interview traces his rise to fame, the collapse of his controversial talk show, and the personal struggles that nearly broke him — including his shocking health battle that changed his life forever.

💥 “I Collapsed Into His Arms and Started Crying”

Jeremy Kyle has recalled how he broke down crying into the arms of a doctor during his battle with testicular cancer in 2012

Recalling the moment he received his cancer diagnosis just before Christmas in 2012, Jeremy admitted he initially ignored the signs and even cancelled his first doctor’s appointment. When he finally went to hospital, the truth hit him hard.

“I got to the hospital on my own,” he told The Sun. “I remember walking down this long corridor, and this huge bloke — the anaesthetist — opened the door. He must have been 11ft tall. I just collapsed into his arms and started crying. I remember thinking, ‘I’m dead.’”

And the father-of-six also revealed a more vulnerable side, rarely seen on screen, as he opened up on his ‘terrifying’ cancer ordeal

The former Jeremy Kyle Show host underwent surgery the following day to remove one of his testicles.

💬 “I Thought If the Light Went Out, I Was Gone Too”

Jeremy recalled waking up in hospital, terrified and alone, until a nurse’s kindness gave him strength.

“When I came round, there was this amazing nurse who held my hand all night,” he said. “I was absolutely terrified. I thought that if she left the room and the light went out — that would be it. I honestly thought I was dead.”

Elsewhere in the interview, the star revealed to Kate how he feels about the controversial cancellation of The Jeremy Kyle Show (pictured on the show)

Thankfully, doctors told him they had caught the cancer just in time — removing it moments before it spread.

“I was very lucky,” Jeremy admitted. “I had several rounds of chemo, and eventually I got the all-clear. But I’ll never forget that fear.”

🩺 A Rare Glimpse Behind the Persona

Known for his no-nonsense television persona, Jeremy’s emotional confession offers fans a side of him they’ve rarely seen — fragile, reflective, and deeply human.

His story is a reminder that behind the tough talk-show image lies a man who, like so many others, has faced real fear and fought his way back.

⚡ The Fall of The Jeremy Kyle Show

In May 2019, the programme was abruptly pulled off air following the death of Steve Dymond (seen), who took his own life a week after failing a lie detector test about his faithfulness to his partner

In the same interview, Jeremy also addresses the controversial cancellation of The Jeremy Kyle Show, the ITV daytime juggernaut that ran for 14 years with over 3,300 episodes and more than a million viewers per broadcast.

The programme was abruptly pulled off air in May 2019 after guest Steve Dymond tragically took his own life a week after failing a lie detector test about his relationship.

An inquest last year ruled it was “speculative” to claim the show directly caused his death, though it sparked an industry-wide overhaul of welfare rules for reality TV.

The coroner noted that while Jeremy could be “critical,” there was no evidence his comments directly caused distress.

💔 “One Day You’re the King — the Next, You’re Not Even Allowed Inside the Castle”

Reflecting on the show’s sudden end, Jeremy told Kate Garraway:

“I understand entirely that the Kyle Show had to fall on its sword because of what happened. You can be the king of the castle one day — and the next, not even allowed in the castle grounds.”

Despite the backlash, he insists he’s proud of the programme and the people it helped.

“It was a juggernaut,” he said. “We started in 2005, before social media even existed. Back then, people watched because it made them feel seen. It made them realise they weren’t alone in their struggles.”

📺 “You Couldn’t Make That Show Today”

Jeremy acknowledges that his show wouldn’t survive in today’s sensitive media climate — but he remains proud of its legacy.

“You couldn’t say boo to a goose now,” he said. “But I’m immensely proud of what we did — thousands of episodes, people we genuinely helped, and even taking it to America. The world has changed, but I stand by what we achieved.”

🌟 From Cancer Survivor to Comeback Star

Now 59 and a father of six, Jeremy has rebuilt his life and career. After spending years away from ITV, focusing on radio and TalkTV, his emotional return to the network marks a full-circle moment — a chance for reflection, redemption, and renewal.

The presenter says his battle with cancer taught him gratitude, humility, and perspective — values he hopes to share as he begins a new chapter.