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Jeremy Kyle gets standing ovation on emotional return to TV after testicular cancer battle

Kyle was given a standing ovation by the studio audience as he returned to work hosting his talk show in Manchester

Rob Williams
Thursday 07 February 2013 05:27 EST
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Controversial television presenter has spoken about his battle with testicular cancer as he returned to work after what he described as the hardest two months of his life.
Controversial television presenter has spoken about his battle with testicular cancer as he returned to work after what he described as the hardest two months of his life. (PA)

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Controversial television presenter has spoken about his battle with testicular cancer as he returned to work after what he described as the hardest two months of his life.

Kyle was given a standing ovation by the studio audience as he returned to work hosting his talk show in Manchester.

The presenter, who has been given the all-clear, described his ordeal during an emotional segment at the beginning of his show. He broke down in tears as he described coming to terms with the illness, telling the audience: "It wasn't the best Christmas for me and the family," he said. "It has been the hardest two months of my life.

"I have had absolutely amazing support. Thank you all - it is overwhelming really."

The 47-year-old said the support of his wife Carla helped him through the treatment, which included chemotherapy.

He said: "It's been a horrific time - a very sobering experience - but now I just feel lucky to be alive.

"I feel lucky that I'm here for family and can see my kids grow up.

"To be honest, I thought, 'That's it, I'm dead'. The phone call I made to Carla was one of the most difficult of my life."

The father of three said he had delayed visiting the doctor after discovering a lump in December, believing he was 'paranoid'.

After cancelling his first appointment with a doctor, he was later diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas and underwent surgery the following day, he told The Sun newspaper.

Kyle said doctors told him he could have died within 18 months if the lump remained unchecked.

Further tests revealed that the cancer had not spread to other parts of his body, but he was ordered to undergo chemotherapy as a precaution, which he described as "like having a permanent migraine" and as if he had been "shot in every limb".

After applause from the audience, the 47-year-old presenter joked and pledged to get back to doing what he does best.

"And just so you know, I only have one testicle left," he said. "But I've got a false one and it only cost £289.99.

"So that's it. You've seen Jeremy Kyle get emotional. Now I'll just get back to shouting at people."

Kyle, who launched his show in the US in 2011, has returned to filming for his ITV show in Manchester.

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