Alan Davies, beloved for his role as the title character in Jonathan Creek, has shared an encouraging update regarding his health after his 2024 diagnosis of bladder cancer. At 60, Alan has emerged stronger from the battle, and he expressed his gratitude for the early detection and successful treatment.
Alan initially revealed his diagnosis in his 2025 book, White Male Stand-Up, where he opened up about the health scare. Speaking about his experience on Lorraine when the book was released, he recalled, “Luckily they caught it early, and I went in and had a tumour removed.” He added, “It was bladder cancer, but I was very lucky.”
A Difficult Diagnosis, but a Positive Outcome
In a new update on The Jonathan Ross Show, Alan shared further details about the procedure and his recovery. He explained, “In 2024, I had bladder cancer. Luckily, I noticed a little bit of blood in the toilet bowl and went to the doctor.” He went on to describe the procedure to remove the tumour, jokingly adding, “To get that tumour out, they have to go up the…,” before offering advice about the procedure with a humorous twist. “If you’re going to have a flexible cystoscopy, it’s not very nice, but it’s not as bad as you think,” he quipped.
Alan wrapped up the segment by announcing, “I’m all clear now,” leaving fans relieved and celebrating his successful recovery.
A Humble Reflection on Life and Gratitude
At the end of 2025, Alan spoke to Radio Times, reflecting on how close he came to a more serious outcome. “I just feel lucky because that was close. I only spotted a bit of blood, and if I hadn’t gone to the doctor, the tumour would have spread,” he shared. He also acknowledged the bittersweet nature of life, saying, “I’ve lost friends like Sean Lock, while other friends, like Mark Steel, have been saved. Life is such a minefield, isn’t it?”
As he looks forward, Alan remains humble and thankful for the opportunity to continue living. He added, “Being alive at the end of it, mainly,” referring to his hopes for the next decade.
A Legacy in Television
Alan’s role in Jonathan Creek, which ran from 1997 to 2016, cemented his place as a cherished actor in British television. The show’s end in 2016 marked the conclusion of a remarkable era, but Alan’s impact remains enduring, especially as fans continue to support him through this personal journey.
Fans can catch Alan sharing more about his journey on The Jonathan Ross Show, which airs on April 4, 2026, at 10 pm on ITV1.
