Bobby Davro, the 67-year-old comedy icon whose career has spanned decades of television and live performance, has revealed that he is facing a new and daunting challenge: prostate cancer. The news comes three years after the heartbreaking loss of his fiancée, Vicky Wright, and two years following a stroke that left him physically vulnerable.
Appearing on This Morning on Tuesday, Bobby opened up about the diagnosis, explaining that he had experienced no obvious symptoms prior to being tested. A close friend had encouraged him to take a PSA test, a routine blood examination that measures prostate-specific antigen levels. The result — a PSA reading of 24 — confirmed the presence of prostate cancer, and Bobby described the moment as a stark reminder of the fragility of life.
“I think one in eight men get it,” Bobby told host Ben Shephard. “Coming in today, the man that picked me up in the car from Waterloo — he had it. I think a lot of men of colour, they get more prostate cancer, so it’s got to be checked. Get your PSA checked and have your prostate examined.”
Bobby emphasized the importance of early detection, urging men not to ignore routine screening. “My doctor told me mine was a bit swollen, so I had the PSA test… and it wasn’t good at all,” he admitted.
Facing the Diagnosis With Courage
Despite the shock, Bobby found a silver lining. When he asked his urologist whether the cancer was terminal, he was reassured that it was not.
“I will be buying Christmas presents for many years to come,” the doctor told him, prompting Bobby to tears of relief. “That made me cry because it was such a relief.”
The comedian described the support he received from the NHS as exemplary, noting that just days after his PSA test he underwent a biopsy, which confirmed the cancer was at an intermediate stage.
Speaking with Dr Zoe Williams on the show, Bobby shared with characteristic humor that his only noticeable symptom had been erectile dysfunction — a sign that often goes unnoticed but can indicate underlying prostate issues.
“It wasn’t nice, and it might have had something to do with the woman I…” he joked lightly, referencing his past relationship. “I used to take one every night when I was in bed. Not to have sex — it stops me rolling out of bed… Sorry, I’ve got to put a few gags in.”
Dr Williams added context, noting that prostate cancer often presents with no early symptoms, though difficulty passing urine, poor flow, or a feeling of incomplete emptying can sometimes be indicators. She also highlighted the importance of PSA screening, especially given the higher incidence among men of colour, while cautioning that PSA tests can produce false positives and false negatives, meaning early diagnosis is sometimes complicated.
A Personal Tragedy Behind the Headlines
Bobby’s cancer diagnosis comes on the heels of a turbulent few years. In May 2023, his fiancée Vicky Wright, daughter of legendary England captain Billy Wright and Beverley Sisters singer Joy Beverley, tragically passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The loss left Bobby devastated.
“It’s been just over a week since my beautiful @vickywright5459 left this world, and it’s only now I feel strong enough to share my feelings,” he wrote at the time. “To think we will never hear her voice, see her smile, hold her… is devastating and so incredibly painful. She will be in my thoughts and in my heart forever. I loved her and always will.”
Despite his grief, Bobby remained committed to his fans, returning to the stage just one day after Vicky’s passing. He vowed to perform through the pain, honoring ticket holders who had supported his work for decades.
The trauma did not end there. In early 2024, Bobby suffered a stroke shortly after a sold-out gig at Coulsdon Comedy Club in South London. He described collapsing moments after leaving the stage, attributing it to a “funny turn” brought on by exhaustion. The stroke added another layer of urgency to his health, making the subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis particularly alarming.
Humor, Heart, and Awareness
Throughout the interview on This Morning, Bobby’s trademark humor shone through, providing levity in an otherwise heavy discussion. He spoke candidly about his health struggles, incorporating jokes while simultaneously conveying the seriousness of his situation.
“Laughter is the best medicine,” he quipped. “Unless you’ve got erectile dysfunction, and that’s just cruel, isn’t it?”
Bobby’s openness about his PSA test, biopsy, and treatment plan aims to raise awareness about prostate cancer, particularly among men who might neglect routine screening due to embarrassment or lack of knowledge.
Dr Williams underscored the point, stressing the importance of early detection and regular check-ups. “One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime,” she said, “and the risk is higher in men of colour. Many men don’t have symptoms early on, so it’s vital to be proactive about screening.”
Public Reaction and Support
The public response to Bobby’s revelation has been overwhelmingly supportive. Fans flooded social media with messages of encouragement, sending love not only for his bravery in facing cancer but also for sharing his experience to help others.
The Daily Mail has been actively campaigning to reduce unnecessary prostate cancer deaths, highlighting the need for accessible screening for high-risk men. Bobby’s decision to speak publicly adds a celebrity voice to this cause, potentially encouraging thousands of men to seek medical advice before it is too late.
Looking Forward
For Bobby, the next steps involve a combination of treatment, medication, and regular monitoring. Despite the diagnosis, he remains upbeat, ready to face the challenge with humor, resilience, and a determination to continue living life fully.
“I’ve got something else wrong with me, and this will be an exclusive,” he said candidly. “I’ve got prostate cancer. I was diagnosed, and it’s sh**y. I’ve had it twice now, but I think it’s going to be OK.”
The comedian’s story is one of tragedy, survival, and advocacy. From losing Vicky to navigating a stroke, and now confronting cancer, Bobby’s journey is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. Yet through it all, he continues to embrace humor, share openly with fans, and use his platform to raise awareness about men’s health.
“Get your PSA checked and have your prostate examined,” he urged viewers. “It could save your life — it’s that simple.”
Bobby Davro’s candid admission and courageous approach serve as both an inspiration and a call to action, proving that even in the face of profound loss and personal health battles, it is possible to confront challenges with strength, resilience, and a touch of laughter.
